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WSBK option opens for Miller

Miller

By Thomas Miles

The prospect of Jack Miller staying in MotoGP is diminishing with a World SuperBike Ducati ride rumoured to be now the leading option on the table.

The 2024 season could be the last time Miller represents Australia on the MotoGP grid with speculation around his future continuing.

Having struggled in his second season riding for KTM, the Aussie has not only found himself out of the factory team in favour of rookie sensation Pedro Acosta, but out of the Austrian brand’s network all together having also been overlooked by Tech3, who preferred Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini.

Currently sitting 16th and only finishing in the points in four of the nine Grands Prix, Miller needs a major turnaround in form when the season resumes this weekend.

Although the chances of seeing the #43 race in MotoGP next year are slim, it is beginning to look likely the 29-year-old will be racing somewhere else.

A reunion with Ducati on the WSBK stage is looking increasingly likely according to Autosport.

Miller rode with the Italian giant for both the satellite and factory outfits from 2018-2022 and took three wins.

With Alvaro Bautista seeking a more financially lucrative deal, it is believed this has prompted Ducati to look elsewhere, which has brought Miller into play.

Having risen through the ranks and spent the last decade in Moto2, Miller has never raced in WSBK.

One of Miller’s last MotoGP options appeared to be through Trackhouse Racing.

However, the American team running with Aprilia has started to look at other options with Moto2 youngster Ai Ogura now at the head of the pack.

Trackhouse Team Principal Davide Brivio suggested Miller was now longer an option in a recent interview with Paddock Pass Podcast.

“Of course we are talking to Miguel (Oliveira) and it’s well known there is interest from Pramac Yamaha,” Brivio said. 

“That’s normal, because Miguel is a great talent, he’s a MotoGP race-winner and he’s an appealing rider.

“We are now considering two options, whether we continue with Miguel or we go to another rider. 

“Most likely it will be somebody coming from Moto2, I think. That is something we try to figure out by Silverstone.

“Probably we are one of the last teams to decide, and now by Silverstone I guess we will come up with the final decision.”

Remy Gardner currently competes for Yamaha in WSBK.

Miller hopes some of his old magic will return at Silverstone in this weekend’s British Grand Prix, which doubles as “Retro Round.”

Image: Gold and Goose

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