Miller taking ‘big steps’ ahead of home race
All eyes will be on Jack Miller as he races in front of his home crowd at Phillip Island for the first time in KTM colours this weekend.
Miller is the only home hero on the MotoGP grid for the 2023 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and sits ninth in the championship.
Having made the switch to KTM after being dumped from Ducati, the 28-year-old from Townsville enjoyed a bright start at his new home.
Miller challenged for wins and podiums early on, highlighted by a third place at Jerez and exceeded expectations.
But since then the #43 has not been seen at the pointy end of the field as often with just two top five finishes from the last 22 races held across the 11 rounds since Spain.
However, in a ray of light for Aussie fans heading to Phillip Island this weekend, Miller is regaining some confidence on the bike which is now equipped with a carbon fibre chassis.
Jack Miller rides the kerb at Indonesia last weekend on his KTM. Image: Gold and Goose
The #43 got to as high as fourth in Indonesia before crossing the line seventh, while Japan was a more positive affair, finishing fourth in the Sprint and sixth in the Grand Prix.
It has put Miller in a positive frame of mind ahead of his seventh home race, believing the RC16 could be suited to the famous, fast and flowing 4.445km circuit.
“I’m really looking forward to heading to Phillip Island on this bike,” he said.
“We’ve made some big steps forward with the new chassis and so on with set-up in general, and the way we come into the weekends.
Jack Miller soaks up the atmosphere on the Spanish podium in Jerez.
“So I reckon the KTM can work really, really well around the Island.
“The bike is nice and agile at high speed which you need there, and there’s always some decent grip there as well.
“Fingers crossed we can put on a good show for the home fans.”
Channel 10 expert and 2007 French Motorcycle Grand Prix winner Chris Vermeulen believed Miller has already exceeded initial expectations at KTM.
Jack Miller’s home race last year finished early after being taken out by Alex Marquez in a sickening crash at Miller Corner of all places. Photo by Gold and Goose / LAT Images
But he pinpointed Miller’s struggles to retain pace throughout the race to tyre management.
“I think when he first signed for KTM I did not think it was going to be as good of a year as he had on the Ducati,” Vermeulen told AUTO ACTION.
“I thought ‘good on you Jack for going to another factory team. It is what you need to do but will it be as good?
“The year started really well and I thought ‘here we go Jack is proving me wrong and this is fantastic, getting some podiums and really challenging (Brad) Binder.’
“But it has sort of faded away again which is a little bit of the same issue Jack has had in the past where for whatever reason he uses the tyre up before anyone else or is not as quick on very used rubber.
Jack Miller roars to the crowd after finishing third at the 2019 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix for Pramac Ducati. Photo by Gold and Goose / LAT Images
“It is exaggerated because Brad Binder is one of the best guys out there on a really used tyre and able to get more than the average rider, but that is the way it goes.”
Despite this Vermeulen, like Miller himself is hopeful the local hope can produce a special performance at Phillip Island just like his 2014 Moto3 win or 2019 podium for Pramac Ducati.
“Coming to this weekend if he can have a circuit that he picks to challenge for a podium it would be this one at Phillip Island,” he said.
“He is fast around there and has proved it in the past, he won that Moto3 race and was on the podium in the premier class.
“So let’s hope the KTM works for him and they get it out in the first practice session and the bike is working well.
“If get can start positively he can just build from there.”
MotoGP returns to free-to-air TV with Channel 10 broadcasting the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix this weekend.
Saturday’s coverage begins at 13.00 AEDT while Sunday’s telecast commences at 12.00 AEDT.
Photo by Gold and Goose / LAT Images
2023 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix
Friday, October 20
Practice 1: 10.45-11.30
Practice 2: 15.00-16.20
Saturday, October 21
Practice 3: 10.10-10.40
Qualifying: 10.50-11.30
Sprint: 15.00-16.05
Sunday, October 22
Warm up: 09.40-09.50
Grand Prix: 14.00-14.50
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