Factory Yamaha MotoGP star Fabio Quartararo says it is important to believe in the M1 project and Iwata’s engineers instead of giving them a shoeing at every opportunity.

The Frenchman has been less vocal in his criticisms of the 2020 works bike than both Maverick Vinales and Valentino Rossi - more than likely because he is the new boy - but also has a high degree of faith in his factory’s abilities.

“There is sure to be a solution, last year’s motorcycle worked so well. You just have to find a way to improve where we’re struggling,” said Quartararo.

“If we compare the data with Franco, it’s pretty clear that we’re missing something when turning, plus the grip on the rear wheel.

“You just have to work on it and analyze it. I think Yamaha is really motivated. You saw that the 2020 bike was a disaster in the last few races - for everyone.

“You see, we don’t have to tell them all the time that the motorcycle isn’t working. You can see it yourself - and you work hard.

They will find something and I hope we have a good start with the tests. We get Cal too. I hope they are motivated and ready to find the problem.”

This year, all three works riders were skinned by satellite rider and Quartararo’s Petronas team-mate Franco Morbdelli on a 2019 bike. But Quartararo thinks being a factory man is still the way forward.

“It will be an advantage to be a works driver. I can’t wait to be there and have a meeting to get rid of my ideas.

“I don’t have a lot of experience in MotoGP, but I think I have a pretty clear idea of ​​what I am passing on to Yamaha, what we need to improve.

“I also believe that we have to believe in them too. It’s good to say they have to work because the bike isn’t that great. But we also need to have the confidence. You have made great motorcycles in the past.

“Last year is the best example because it was only my first season. I think we just have to trust Yamaha, give them our ideas and then it’s important to believe in the project.”