Source: Supplied.

Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS Honda’s Jack Miller was satisfied with his form during pre-season testing in Qatar following three days of work.

The 22-year-old Australian ended up 16th on the time-sheets at the conclusion of testing at Losail, also posting a strong race simulation on the final day.

With the race simulation completed Miller then switched his attention to a fast lap, having gone with the softest of the tyre options provided by Michelin in his Honda RC213V. A time of 1m55.455s – his fastest lap of the test – on his second run saw him move up to the order to finish 16th on combined times.

“It’s been another good day here in Qatar, I felt really comfortable on the bike and we got a lot of work done,” Miller reflected. “I’m pretty happy with my consistency over the long run and the pace was strong, so when we return for the race we just need to continue working in the same direction.

“It was nice to get the lap-time in at the end. It wasn’t quite as fast as I’d have liked it to have been, we just didn’t put it all together, but it means I have something up my sleeve for when we come back here in nine days’ time to race. I can’t wait to get into it now!”

Team principal Michael Bartholemy commented: “This has been a positive test for us, with both riders improving a lot here compared to last year. Jack feels good with the bike and most of the issues we had last year are now gone. He tried a lot of things and did a lot of laps as we were focussed on race set up rather than chasing a fast lap.

“He did manage to put in a quick lap right at the end on the soft tyre, which was good for his confidence. Now he will be working hard to recuperate further before returning to Qatar for the opening race of the season, where I hope to see both riders finish in the points.”

Miller was joined for the first time since the Sepang test by teammate Tito Rabat, upon return from injury, winding up 20th on the combined time-sheets.