News 19 Oct 2016

Miller set for 'extra special' Australian MotoGP homecoming

Dutch TT winner thrives on pressure of competing at Phillip Island.

Source: Supplied.

Source: Supplied.

Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS Honda’s Jack Miller will make his anticipated return home to contest the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island this weekend, confident he can shine ahead of the Aussie crowd on Sunday.

Fully recovered from back and right hand injuries that have plagued the Townsville-born talent over the last six races, Miller is hoping a return to familiar shores will inspire him to a first top 10 finish since Germany in mid-July.

Miller, still just 21, has race-winning experience on home soil after he took the chequered flag first in a sensational Moto3 race in 2014 when just 0.242s split the top six in a pulsating final lap showdown.

“I am really looking forward to going home and riding in front of my home crowd at Phillip Island,” Miller explained. “It will feel extra special this year going back as a MotoGP winner and I want to bounce back from what was a pretty difficult weekend in Japan.

“I love Phillip Island and hopefully we can find something in the bike that gives me a bit more confidence to push at the limit. I was fast there last season on the Open class bike and I go there determined to turn around what has been a pretty rough period in the season for me.

“There is always a bit of extra pressure when you race at home, but it is a cool feeling to know so many fans have come to watch you put on a show. It is pressure I thrive on and hopefully I can give the Australian crowd something to shout about.”

Miller is certain to get a rousing reception from his passionate home crowd after he became just the 12th Australian rider in history to win in the premier class when he was victorious in the historic Dutch TT in Assen at the end of June.

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