Miller searching for ‘redemption’ at happy hunting ground

After a tough time in Texas, Jack Miller hopes a return to his most successful track will provide some “redemption.”

A return to happy hunting ground Jerez arrives at a key time for Miller with the pressure starting to ramp up on the Australian. 

Whilst rookie sensation Pedro Acosta has powered to back to back podiums and fourth in the championship on the satellite GasGas Tech3 KTM, the Australian has achieved just one top five and sits 10th riding the factory machine.

Last time out at COTA Miller appeared to be on track for the big result he needed when he sat third in the early stages.

However, the familiar theme of the #43 drifting down the order throughout the 20-lap race to finish 13th with tyre woes meant it was a tough time.

But this weekend Miller is hopeful of a bounce back at one of his favourite tracks, Jerez.

Last year the Australian’s highlight of his maiden year at KTM occurred in the Spanish Grand Prix where he achieved back to back third place finishes in the Sprint and Grand Prix.

Having also achieved victory in 2021 for Ducati, Miller’s 82-point haul at Jerez is the most he has scored at a single track in his Premier Class career since 2015.

Buoyed by these happy memories, Miller is hunting for “redemption” after feeling a result slipped away at Texas.

“I’m looking for a little bit of redemption after the result in COTA. It wasn’t what we wanted or what we deserved,” Miller said.

“It was nice to be back at the pointy end, at least for a little bit. 

“We had good pace in America, which is something we didn’t have in the first two rounds of the season. 

“In America I felt like I could run the pace and felt strong. 

“I was kind of let down by something black and round pretty early on.”

Making life harder for Miller is the rapid step up in pace in 2024.

Whilst the Aussie feels KTM has made a jump in the right direction, the chase for points and podiums is a tricky “constant moving target.”

“If you look at every track we’ve been to this year, we’re nearly a second (per lap) quicker,” he said.

“I have no doubt we’re all going to be quicker again here. 

“MotoGP at the moment, it’s a constant moving target and it’s awesome to be a part of. 

“We will try our best to throw it at the big boys.

“The bike, engine brake, traction control, chassis are a lot better than 12 months ago. 

“We should have a good weekend.”

MotoGP practice for the Spanish Grand Prix fires up at 18.45 AEST tonight before the second session is at 23.00.

Intensity rises with FP2/Qualifying at 18.10 AEST and the Sprint at 23.00 AEST Saturday night.

The 2024 Spanish Grand Prix will be held at 22.00 AEST Sunday night.

Don’t forget the latest issue of the free digital version of Auto Action is out now!

Or subscribe to the print edition here or at selected outlets. For more of the latest motorsport news, subscribe to AUTO ACTION magazine.

Podcast: Stunning Taupo Shines Through the Gloom | Supercars back in New Zealand

We’re back from our weekend in Taupo (Tow Paw), and what an unbelievable first weekend for that venue. It was, we felt, the start of this season, too, despite it being the third round. Andrew and Bruce were there, and PG was on the couch.

Brodie Kostecki was back for Erebus, Andre Heimgartner won for Brad Jones Racing, and Will Brown battled his teammate Broc Feeney for the other win. Anton De Pasquale also won the Jason Richards Trophy for the best performer over the two races – is Dick Johnson Racing back?