Source: Supplied.

Octo Pramac Racing Ducati debutant Jack Miller made a stunning start to his MotoGP career aboard the Desmosedici GP at Valencia’s post-season test on Tuesday, setting the fifth-fastest lap as he quickly gelled with his new ride.

Miller posted a 1m30.635s in 57 laps, which was half a second from pace-setter Maverick Viñales but – more importantly – well quicker than what he’d gone on the Marc VDS Honda during the race weekend. Comparatively, he’d qualified at 1m31.190s and set a 1m31.997s in Sunday’s race.

“It’s exciting times at the moment for me in my career,” Miller said. “I’m really looking forward to spending some more time on the bike as well, because I’m just starting to get comfortable with it now and I’m really enjoying to ride it.

“The way that I have adapted to the bike directly and the way I feel on the bike, I’m really comfortable, so I just need some more laps and more time to keep it going. It was a good day and it’s always a special emotion to start a new adventure. I have to say that the sensations are extremely positive – I found myself at ease and Pramac Racing welcomed me very pleasantly.”

After three years with Honda in the premier class, Miller’s transfer to Pramac as a factory-contracted rider was one of the major stories when the 2018 schedule began just two days following this year’s final round. He ended the day fastest of the Ducati riders overall.