Features 16 Jul 2015

Countdown: Progression of Jack Miller

Five reasons the Aussie rookie is meeting MotoGP expectations.

When it was confirmed 20-year-old Jack Miller would be stepping straight from Moto3 to MotoGP in 2015, doubters across the world declared his and HRC’s decision a mistake. However those that stood by Miller’s talent have been vastly rewarded for much of the season’s first half, displaying impressive speed with reasonable consistency. Here are five moments that have stood out to CycleOnline.com.au so far.

Source: LCR.

Source: LCR.

5. Speed on his side:
After an incredible display of form in Moto3 last year, it comes as no surprise to see Miller quickly up to speed on the RC213V-RS this season in MotoGP. His qualifying performances haven’t been overly strong, but in practice and race trim he’s consistently shown consistent pace across longer distances.

4. Minimised pressure:
With a three-year Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) contract in his back pocket, pressure has been reduced for his rookie campaign inside the Open class ranks. Sure, we don’t see him up front with Marquez and co. on television, but amongst the Opens he has been learning his craft and that will eventually pay dividends after bypassing Moto2.

3. Mistakes made:
Aussie Jack has made his fair share of mistakes across the course of the season as he pushes the envelope of experience, crashing out on debut at Qatar and then again at Le Mans, Mugello and Assen while struggling with the front-end. As long as he learns from them – and he will – then it will all count once he lands more competitive equipment.

Source: LCR.

Source: LCR.

2. Direct yard-sticks:
Having the likes of 2006 world champion Nicky Hayden and proven world class fellow rookie Eugene Laverty – who transferred from WorldSBK – on near identical Open class Honda machinery provides an opportunity to compare Miller’s current form with two top riders. And so far, he’s ahead of both Hayden and Laverty in the standings at 18th overall.

1. Top Open in Argentina:
While Miller’s best result of the year to date came in 11th at Catalunya, he had a taste of parc ferme in the Argentine round at Termas de Rio Hondo by finishing as best of the Open runners in 12th. Come the second half of the season, we expect him to repeat that performance a couple more times before year’s end.

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