FAST, YOUNG AND HUNGRY

Miller leads the hard chargers who are desperate to make their mark

Jack Miller has no doubt he possesses the talent and motivation to justify a seat in a factory team. And heading into his sixth season of MotoGP the team gig the Aussie covets most in 2021 is at Ducati.

That puts the 25-year-old in direct competition with a whole squadron of Ducati riders: the main ‘man in red’, Andrea Dovizioso; Miller’s emerging Pramac teammate, Pecco Bagnaia and the older but no less ambitious Danilo Petrucci and Johann Zarco.

It’s vital to be at the top of the pecking order by the early summer back-to-back races at Ducati’s home track Mugello and Barcelona. So Miller has put aside the temptations of being quick in winter testing to focus instead on being ready to race and in getting the results that will give him negotiating power at Ducati’s Bologna HQ. The expanded early season flyaway schedule which kicks off in Qatar now includes Thailand then Texas and Argentina before the first European round at Jerez.

“In testing I’ve just been trying to get to know every aspect of the new bike,” he says. “I think I’m at a good point, the times are coming relatively easy even on longer runs so I am confident once we go racing.” He continued: “I think the Ducati is going to be a strong weapon this year. We are heading in good direction and I’m just working towards that main goal.”

Ducati’s scary-fast top speed and acceleration remains although the GP20 is still a ‘work in progress’ due to its continued weak link: corner speed and turning.

“A strong point is braking stability,” says Miller. “The bike is really good on the brakes – you can stop and get into the corner. “Regarding turning, I think it’s a little better than last year’s bike but it’s still early days. It’s a good base and we have a lot positives, especially the front-feeling and the engine - you can always do with more top speed!” A manually-adjustable ride height adjuster on the rear suspension - which was actually first used late last season on the GP19 - is now to be standard. Handlebar-mounted buttons operate it via a cable as with the early version but the confusing handlebar layout has now been refined and updated.

“It’s not easy to use, especially on a race weekend, as there are so many things to do on the bike. I used it at Phillip Island last year and it certainly helps,” Miller said.

● ‘I’m at a good point. I’m just working towards that main goal’