Petronas Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo believes the enforced MotoGP layoff caused by coronavirus can do nothing but help the injured Marc Marquez and his struggling Honda team.

The young Frenchman will have a works YZR-M1 to battle with not only Marquez but his stablemate Maverick Vinales for the title this year - should it ever begin - and says the HRC team looked a little under the cost at Losail.

“It looks like the Honda was struggling a little bit in the Qatar test so for sure this is benefit for them. I hope that our team and manufacturer have done a little more work because there has been a little more time,” said Quartararo.

The late start is an advantage for Honda and also for Marc. But our team is also well prepared.

“We saw the bike has more potential, but we need to adapt ourselves. We will start the first race exactly the same as Maverick and Valentino.

"Why shouldn’t we have a chance to win the title this year? We are focused and will give everything. After all, I’m not here to play cards.”