AUSSIES CONFIDENT OF MOTOGP SUCCESS IN 2022

Despite a couple of hurdles in the off-season both Aussie MotoGP riders Jack Miller and Remy Gardner are confident of success in 2022.

After the two-day test at the Sepang International Circuit, Miller’s 2022 bike was officially revealed having previously been postponed because the Queenslander tested positive for COVID-19.

In the test Miller admitted himself that he was not entirely comfortable on the new machine on the opening day, however he and the team got the bike a lot more to his liking on the final day.

On day 1 he failed to break under the two-minute barrier, while his time on the second day was a 1m 58.6s time, 1.5s faster.

Miller ended the test in 14th position and felt more was to come if it remained dry late on Sunday.

After a frustrating back end to the 2021 season Miller is confident he is a much more complete rider, more physically and mentally prepared than ever before.

“The Championship is finally about to start, and I feel ready more than ever to face this new season,” Miller said.

“Having another year of experience in MotoGP under my belt definitely makes me feel stronger, and I feel I have improved a lot, both physically and mentally, compared to 2021.

“It will be my second year with the Ducati Lenovo Team, a group of people who are really passionate about Motorsports, and I feel lucky to be part of it.

“Being a factory Ducati rider is a source of pride, and it means having the support of many fans, not only in Italy but also all over the world.

“I can’t wait for March and be able to head out on track for the first race of the year in Qatar!”

Aussies confident of MotoGP success in 2022 – Image: Motorsport Images

Gardner broke his wrist just days out from his rookie shakedown test and following the official test.

Nevertheless, Gardner expressed after the initial test, the injury had not hindered him as much as he thought.

“It was a long three days for sure,” he said after the Shakedown. “The big question mark for me when I came here was if I could ride after breaking my wrist only a couple of weeks ago.

“That was a big question mark and on Monday I did a few laps and was pleasantly surprised that I could still half right okay.

“For sure it’s not great and I’m in a bit of pain but it was good enough to spin some laps and get a bit more comfortable with the bike and the power and try to understand a bit more the class because there’s still so much to learn.

“But it was quite positive and regarding everything I think I surprised myself.”

Gardner was certain that the injury was costing him time, but feels he is getting to grips with his Tech3 KTM.

“The way I’ve managed to pick up the gas and drive out of the corners, I felt like I improved that from day 1 to day 3 quite a lot,” he expressed.

“It was kind of the area that I could really push a bit more at the moment with the wrist where I need to improve a little bit on the braking and the entry to the corner.

“But really, that’s just down to me not pushing too hard on that right wrist at the moment. At the moment, it’s about just making laps and trying to understand I think more than anything.”

Gardner was 24th fastest on the opening day of the first official test and improved one place the following day, however as Gardner expressed it is just about getting comfortable.

He will have more time with the new machinery in the lead up to the first race, the final three-day test takes place at the Mandalika Circuit in Indonesia.

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