Quartararo back at 'top level' fitness after Covid in December

New factory Yamaha MotoGP team rider Fabio Quartararo has revealed he contracted Covid in December.

Posting on Instagram, the young Frenchman – who won three races and led much of the 2020 world championship for the satellite Petronas team, before a late drop to eighth in the final standings - added that he is now back to 'top level' fitness.

Valentino Rossi, the rider Quartararo is replacing at Monster Yamaha this season, and Iker Lecuona are the only other MotoGP competitors known to have caught Covid to date -  being forced to miss races as a result.

Rossi is taking over Quartararo's former place at the Petronas Yamaha this year.

Quartararo will join Maverick Vinales in presenting the latest 2021 Factory Yamaha colours during the team's online launch on February 15, followed by a track debut at the start of official MotoGP pre-season testing in Qatar early next month.

The 2021 season is then scheduled to begin, Covid restrictions permitting, with back-to-back night races at Losail starting at the end of March. The postponement of Argentina and Austin means Portimao has been parachuted in as round three.