Local boy Miller has champ in his sights
If there’s a year to beat Marquez, I think it’s this year JACK MILLER
THE time to strike at all-conquering Motogp champion Marc Marquez is now, Townsville’s Jack Miller says.
Miller is back to business after returning home for a short break at home, having left for Qatar yesterday ahead of the second and final pre-season test of 2019.
Miller impressed on his new 2019 Ducati package during the opening run of testing in Sepang earlier his month, finishing the final day of testing in third as part of an all-ducati top four led by Pramac teammate Danilo Petrucci.
Having finished 13th on last year’s final Motogp standing, Miller is craving podium finishes after failing to place inside the top three.
And his eyes are fixed firmly on the reigning champion Marquez, who had shoulder surgery in December after firmly dominating the 2018 season with nine victories — five more than his nearest rival Andrea Dovizioso.
“If there’s a year to beat Marquez, I think it’s this year,” Miller said.
“Seeing as he’s been off (the bike) all winter with injury and a shoulder reconstruction.
“(Valentino) Rossi is still as fast as he always was, but this year there’s other guys stepping up to the plate.
“It’s a stacked year with some amazing competition, and it’s going to be an important year for me as well in string to secure a factory team.
“I chose to be on a one-year deal (with Pramac) for the fact I hope we can have a good year — I plan on having a good year — to secure something better, if not with my own team.
“If there’s a chance to step to the factory team that would be better.”
Miller, a former Cathedral School student who is now based in Andorra, started racing in Europe as a teenager and entered the Moto3 ranks in 2012, finishing his final season in 2014 as runner-up.
He was the first Moto3 rider to bypass Moto2 and enter straight into Motogp, riding on Hondas for three seasons before switching to Ducati last year.
Throughout his four years in MotOGP Miller has struggled to keep pace with the likes of Marquez and Rossi, but believes his new-model Ducati will finally give him the power he needs.
“Especially with the bike we’ve got … I’d be disappointed if we didn’t get at least one podium,” Miller said.
“I feel as ready as I’ve been … it’s the best package.
“I’m not new to the team; I know what to expect in the team side of things.
“The current model Ducati is another step up … the difference between the 2017 and 2019 (model) is incredible.
“It’s got incredible speed, but the bikes are going so fast it’s crazy.
“Everyone’s going so fast, so it’s not going to be an easy year by any stretch of the imagination.”
Miller’s season starts with the
Qatar GP on March 10.