Miller ready to fight at home after disappointing quali

By Thomas Miles

Date posted: 21 October 2023

Home hero Jack Miller is hopeful of making progress on home turf starting from eighth in today’s Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Miller could only manage a third row start after lapping a 1:28.074 in qualifying, while his KTM teammate Brad Binder was second fastest only behind the record-breaking Jorge Martin.

But it could have been more for the Australian, who was a frustrated figure after being forced to “abort” from his final flying lap due to traffic issues.

It appeared the Aprilia of Aleix Espargaro got in the way of the #43 KTM, with the pair exchanging angry hand gestures on the exit of the Southern Loop.

Reflecting on the incident, Miller said the Spaniard was “parked in the middle of the corner” which left the Aussie with no choice but to pull out.

Jack Miller is suiting up for his first home race for KTM. Image: Gold and Goose

“On the last lap I had to abort because Aleix parked it in the middle of the corner and I was heading straight for him,” he told Fox Sports.

“I had one more in me because you get two laps on these tyres but it was not to be today and we will get him later this afternoon.”

Despite the qualifying incident, Miller is confident he can make progress up the field at Phillip Island.

The KTM armed with a new carbon fibre chassis has shown strong pace all weekend with both the #33 and #43 topping the second practice session on Friday and Binder has retained this pace to qualify second.

Miller can draw inspiration from 2019 when he flew from ninth to third to score a memorable podium in front of his home fans.

Last year he also started from eighth but the race ended in heartbreaking fashion being taken out by Alex Marquez at Miller Corner.

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

Reflecting on qualifying Miller said the team could not find the speed in the more windy conditions at Phillip Island, but is confident things will fare better in the 27-lap race.

“I did not really find too much pace from yesterday. The wind was really strong but the other boys were able to find more,” he said.

“We have some ideas and the pace is good still. We are in eighth position, third row, so we should be able to get away to a good start and stay with these boys.

“It is a big race so we will try to make a few little tweaks here and there for the wind and we should be alright.”

Photo by Gold and Goose / LAT Images

2023 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix grid

2023 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix schedule

Saturday, October 21
12:50-13:30	Moto3		Qualifying
13:45-14:25	Moto2		Qualifying
15:10-16:00	MotoGP	27 Laps	Race
Sunday, October 22
09:40-09:50	MotoGP		Warm Up
11:00-11:35	Moto3	21 Laps	Race
12:15-12:55	Moto2	23 Laps	Race
14:00-15:15	MotoGP	13 Laps	Sprint

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