Former WorldSBK king Carlos Checa believes this year's title fight will be a five-way affair with Yamaha catching up to Ducati and Kawasaki in terms of technical progress.

The Spaniard, who claimed the title in 2011 with Althea Ducati, thinks that Jonathan Rea remains the favourite but there will be four other riders snapping at his heels.

“At this moment in time, Jonathan and Kawasaki are the favourites for sure, they are a great combination. Throughout the tests, we will see what the opposition are able to improve - technically, physically and mentally," said Checa.

"In the technical area now, Ducati is strong and Honda and Yamaha are catching up. We now have three or four more manufacturers at a really good level.

“It will be interesting to see if Rinaldi can be consistently strong, and of course Redding as he is number one in Ducati now. However, I think that Chaz Davies can be there too, if he can integrate well in the team on a similar bike with less pressure, combined with his strong end to 2020.

"These three riders can be right there with Jonathan. Yamaha has good potential to fight for the title, with Toprak Razgatlioglu. These are the names that can fight for the title.”