2020 MotoGP title runner-up, Franco Morbidelli, shared his take on the upcoming 2021 season opener in Losail Circuit, Qatar, which he thinks will be a battle between Yamaha, Ducati and Suzuki.

“We were able to improve our pace, even though the track was a little bit slower [on day 2 of 3] and felt more comfortable on the bike. So we improved what we needed, but looking at the other guys, everyone is improving.

“The Ducati looks strong; Suzuki looks very strong as well. The other Yamahas, also Vale, so the other three Yamahas were very fast. At the moment, it looks like it’s a Yamaha-Ducati-Suzuki battle,” he explained.

The Italian also thinks that Jack Miller will be a top contender in Losail.

“I didn’t follow Jack or see him on track. What I saw [from the timesheets] is that he’s really fast, has a really good pace and is really fast in a straight line,” said Morbidelli, who narrowly beat Miller for victory in Valencia then lost out to the then Pramac rider for second place at the Portimao finale.

“Moreover, Jack was fast last year and ended the season with a great rhythm, so for sure, he’s one of the top contenders for these next two races and this world championship,” he added.

Last season, Morbidelli secured a win at Valencia by narrowly beat Miller before losing out to the Australian for second place at Portimao.

Nonetheless, Miller already singled out Morbidelli as the Yamaha rider to look out for in 2021 despite remaining on an A-Spec YZR-M1.