News 14 Feb 2014

Miller fastest during day three of Valencia Moto3 test

Australian ends first outing of 2014 second on combined times.

Source: Red Bull KTM Ajo.

Source: Red Bull KTM Ajo.

Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Jack Miller set the pace on the third and final day of Moto3 testing at Valencia, Spain, on Thursday, resulting in the second fastest time overall.

The talented young Queenslander’s time from Wednesday of 1m39.462 slotted him into second overall behind KTM-mounted Gresini rider Niccolo Antonelli, while Danny Kent was third for Red Bull Husqvarna Ajo in his return to the category.

It was another promising outing for Miller, coming off injury late last year, and again proving that he will be a legitimate title threat throughout 2014. He was the only rider to break into the 1m39 barrier on a windy final day with a 1m39.773.

“Today was a good day, in which we again tried many different configurations that KTM let us work on,” Miller said. “Every day we are getting better and better, and for me it’s a great learning experience. This is also a good way to work with the team: We explain what our feeling with the set up is and we adapt that to the bike.

“At every moment we are studying something. For the test next week we are in good shape and I think we can continue taking things in this direction. We still have room for improvement. Valencia is a strange track, all the bikes I’ve ridden here have suffered with the front grip, but I am very happy with my lap times despite the cold and wind.

“I’m happy. Our pace is pretty good, I can maintain it for a series of laps and the bike and tyres also hold up well. We’ll see what happens at Jerez.”

Mahindra Racing’s Arthur Sissis finished the test in 12th fastest overall, continuing his adaption following two full seasons with KTM.

In Moto2 it was Moto3 World Champion Maverick ViƱales fastest on Thursday, however Tito Rabat’s time of 1m35.155 from earlier in the week remained the benchmark for Marc VDS Racing.

Australian veteran Anthony West was 17th fastest overall, his time from Wednesday 1.379s off the pace of Rabat. World Supersport Champion Sam Lowes finished up 12th.

Recent