Yamaha MotoGP boss Maio Meregalli has heaped praise on his team of engineers and test riders for getting the 2021 M1 into seriously competitive shape for the 2021 season.

Three of the four riders, including the two Monster-backed factory men, occupied the top slots when it came to race pace at the second Qatar test (see below) even though the bike's top speed is still well down.

"The first race of the season is always especially thrilling: it’s the first time we really get to measure ourselves against our competition," said Meregalli.

"We’ve made good steps during the Qatar Test, and we’re feeling confident. A lot of hard work from Yamaha’s engineers and our test riders went into this.

"Both Maverick and Fabio felt comfortable with the package we've prepared for them during the test, so now it’s just a matter of starting the show."