Ducati has always had a soft spot for Australians and vice versa. Casey Stoner and Troy Bayliss are still two Ducati symbols, and now Jack Miller has taken over the legacy. After three years of “training” on the Pramac team, it’s time to wear the official team colors and repeat what both of its predecessors did.
“I grew up with Troy and Casey. You were two idols to me, “he said.” All in all, it’s strange that a lot of Australians have ridden Ducati, considering there aren’t many riders there. But it’s not what they did that put me under pressure. I’ve done it myself. I’ll do the best Jack Miller can and then we’ll see what happens. ”
When you are on an official team it is almost natural to ask what the ultimate goal is.
“I was close to winning a race last year so my first goal is to do itJack answered. “Obviously I want to fight for the title so I’m not stupid. Then we’ll see what happens.”
Miller and Ducati know each other well and this will be the starting point.
“Pupulin, my telemetry specialist, and a mechanic will come with me. The biggest difference is that more people will work with me. Not much will change. I spent three years in the garage next to them, playing music and annoying them. You know me and you know what I want“He said jokingly.” But it’s nice to keep working with the people you’ve built a relationship with. Both they and I are motivated to achieve the same goal. I think it’s a great way to be with boys People to work. “
Miller has matured over the past three years.
“It was Ducati who gave me the tools,” he said. “It was’nt easy. I’ve always had annual contracts, but you have to show that you deserved the job and that helped me mature. I am no longer a child either. “
So it’s time to take that final step forward to fight for something really important.
“There is a long list of things to do, but I’m not one of those who say what to do,” continued the Australian driver. “I’ve been working with Ducati engineers for three years. You know what I want and need and we will continue this development. For my part, I have worked on my body and mind to improve myself over the winter. In the first few years I was quick, but not consistent. I have to be as fast as in Moto3 again. I started working on it last year. At first I had some problems with the new tire, but then I was able to adapt. “
He also had a leg problem that forced him to undergo surgery when he returned to Australia.
“I got an infection, went to the hospital and they cleaned it all up,” he said teasingly. “But now I’m fine. I have no problem, even on the motocross bike. I’ve quarantined another nineteen days. During this time I spoke to Marquez. I wrote to him: “We are in the same boat.” But I don’t know how he’s doing. We didn’t speak any more. I just hope to see him on the right track again soon. He misses the whole championship. “
He will surely find Joan Mir, the current world champion, on the track. But according to Jack, he won’t be his best rival.
“Nobody expected him to win the title last year. He did a great job, ”he admitted. “But in the latter part of last year, Franco Morbidelli will be my biggest rival. Though there are some doubts because he won’t have an updated bike and I find that really weird. However, I am not excluding riders like Quartararo and Vinales and many others. There are a lot of competitive drivers.“”
Before Jack wears the new colors in Qatar in a month, he will be with the other Ducati riders on the Panigale V4 in Jerez on Thursday and Friday.
“It’s difficult to train for MotoGP because there is nothing like it, but cycling as fast as the Panigale helps. However, nothing can prepare you for MotoGP. Every time you come back to it after winter it’s a shock, ”he concluded.