Monster Yamaha MotoGP boss Massimo Meregalli is expecting 'strong input' from new test rider Cal Crutchlow at the Qatar shakedown early next month.

Cruchlow hasn't, publicly, swung a leg over the M1 as yet but Meregalli said the Japanese test team hadn't done much either.

"Unfortunately, we have not been able to test earlier, first of all because our manufacturer is in Japan, and also the quarantine Cal would have to do if he flew to Japan," said head cheese Massimo Meregalli.

"But even our Japanese test rider hasn't been able to do a proper shakedown in Japan. So the real shakedown will come in Qatar.

"I am really curious to see what Cal can bring to Yamaha from his previous experience, we expect him to give a strong input."