Maverick Vinales has not only got the MotoGP paddock assessing his world championship credentials but also bookmakers, as some put the Qatar race winner as favourite ahead of defending champion Marc Marquez.

After Vinales was announced as Jorge Lorenzo's replacement at the Movistar Yamaha team some dismissed a world title charge in his maiden year alongside Valentino Rossi, but after turning heads by topping the times in every MotoGP pre-season test his world title odds transformed.

Heading into the 2017 season opener the majority of betting companies still gave Marquez the shortest odds of clinching the riders' MotoGP world title but after the 22-year-old's sensational victory under the lights in Qatar he has begun to see him edge ahead.

5 things we learned from the Qatar MotoGP

What's also interesting to note is how Qatar's race performances and results took a big impact to world title odds with Jorge Lorenzo being pushed out to 18/1 for his 11th place finish at Losail, while Johann Zarco closed up to 33/1 for leading over the opening laps before tipping off.

Of course, if Marquez strikes back in Argentina the odds are likely to swing back again but is the smart money starting to back Vinales?

William Hill odds on 2017 MotoGP riders' championship As of 3rd April 2017

Maverick Vinales 23/20

Marc Marquez 8/5

Valentino Rossi 5/1

Andrea Dovizioso 9/1

Jorge Lorenzo 18/1

Dani Pedrosa 20/1

Johann Zarco 33/1

Andrea Iannone 40/1

Cal Crutchlow 50/1

Aleix Espargaro 125/1



Cal Crutchlow - Career Profile by Crash_net