Honda’s masterplan for its 2027 MotoGP campaign is rapidly taking shape – not only with an electrifying reshuffle of its rider line-up, but with a bold change in its technical leadership. In a move to send shock waves through the paddock, Santi Hernandez, the famous crew chief behind Marc Marquez’s six world championships, is being deployed alongside David Alonso, underscoring Honda’s intention to build its future around the Colombian prodigy.
Honda will field a formidable line-up next MotoGP season: Fabio Quartararo, Diogo Moreira, Johann Zarco and David Alonso. The official confirmations have cemented Quartararo’s presence at the factory team, while Zarco – once fully recovered from his left knee injury – will retain his LCR seat until 2027. The future of Moreira and rookie Alonso, however, is shrouded in intrigue, with their final team placements yet to be announced. Honda’s silence on Alonso’s specific destination has fueled speculation that the South American’s fierce battle for the second HRC factory seat – pitting Alonso against Moreira – will ultimately depend on his performance in the second half of 2026.
While the rider market grabs the headlines, the behind-the-scenes moves of crew chiefs are proving to be equally crucial. The 2027 season will mark the end of an era for Fabio Quartararo and his longtime chief engineer Diego Gubellini, who guided the Frenchman during his Yamaha years and to the 2021 world title. Gubellini will be replaced by Christian Pupulin, Luca Marini’s current crew chief. Pupulin – known as “Pipi” in the paddock – brings a wealth of experience from KTM and Ducati, where he worked with stars including Jack Miller, Andrea Dovizioso and Nicky Hayden.
2025 Moto2 World Champion Diogo Moreira still has his MotoGP team in place for 2027. However, changes to their technical staff have already been confirmed: Klaus Nohles, who has overseen Moreira’s transition to the dominant class, will step down at the end of the year. Andres Madrid, famous for his previous success with Brad Binder and more recently with Enea Bastianini, will take over as Moreira’s crew chief from 2027. Honda insiders believe Madrid is the right architect to guide Moreira’s continued rise in MotoGP.
However, the most seismic technical appointment is reserved for David Alonso. According to paddock sources, Honda will deputize Santi Hernandez – the mastermind behind Marc Marquez’s dominance – in favor of Alonso. Hernandez, who is currently working with Joan Mir, was instrumental in shaping the RC213V for Márquez’s aggressive style from 2013 to 2023, as well as supporting Márquez’s 2012 Moto2 title. The prospect of pairing Honda’s most decorated crew chief with its most exciting rookie speaks volumes about the manufacturer’s ambitions.
The move was reportedly a key factor in convincing Alonso to commit to Honda. Entrusting Hernandez with Alonso’s adaptation signals how central the Colombian is to Honda’s long-term project – especially as the series begins a new era with the introduction of 850cc machines in 2027. The appointment of such a brilliant technical person to a novice, rather than a proven veteran, is a bold statement of intent from Honda.
Still, uncertainty remains: if the Colombian is placed with Lucio Cecchinello’s LCR team, will Hernandez remain in favor of Alonso, or is this a clear sign that Alonso is destined for the factory HRC seat? The answer could determine not only the team composition, but also the shape of MotoGP’s next great chapter.
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