Johann Zarco can no longer hide and perhaps he doesn't want to. In Qatar the French Tech3 rider powered his "satellite" Yamaha M1 to the top of the timesheets and, considering this is the final test before the season-opener, the result appears indicative.

Johann is now impatient to get to work over the first race weekend: "I’m delighted to finish with the top lap time. I think it was even possible to ride inside the high 53s, but we have to accept that we have to understand step by step how to ride at this speed. We did some great work with the team and with everything we did during these three days, I felt more confidence and I could work well on this. I did 17 laps in a row, but am probably a bit tired after these intense days here. Anyway, we are constant and I can relax a lot on the bike."

Marquez and Dovizioso consider Johann to be a title contender: “ah, well... I'm pleased. I've always said how intelligent Marc and Andrea are, they're often right too, so I hope that's also the case this time, I hope to be fighting them for the title”.

Hafizh Syahrin continues to improve. The Malaysian is the stand out rookie in MotoGP right now, and is starting to get a taste for the M1: "I’m very happy about this last day. I didn’t expect to be able to ride in the low 55s and keep this pace also consistently. A huge thank you to the Tech3 crew, we are working hard in order to try to get closer to the top as much as we can."

Hafizh surprised his rivals and especially: “myself! Although I made a small mistake during the race simulation. But we quickly understood it and know what we have to do for race day. I’m very thrilled, thanks again to our team, all the sponsors and fans, they are fantastic!"