Image: Supplied.

A stellar lead-up to the 2018 MotoGP World Championship has North Queenslander Jack Miller confident he has the potential to take the next step in his career this season.

Miller was fifth on the time-sheets in Malaysia, sixth in Thailand and 11th in Qatar, setting him up for a breakout fourth year in the premier class.

It’s been a positive start to his Ducati career as part of the factory-supported Pramac Racing organisation, now firmly focused on delivering strong race results from the outset when the series commences at Losail Circuit on 16-18 March.

“I am happy with the work we did in the winter tests,” Miller explained. “We’ve lapped a lot and got a lot of information that allowed us to make steps forward day after day. We have managed to overcome the difficulties that have arisen in every circuit and this is an important aspect. I can say that we have taken the right direction.

Questioned regarding the positives and any potential negatives endured through the pre-season, Miller was matter of fact in his responses, aware of where he stands entering the new season.

“We were fast enough in each circuit, improving my time day after day and lap after lap,” added the Aussie. “The sensations are very positive, I feel at ease on the bike, I have confidence and I am ready to fight.

“The two crashes in Malaysia and Thailand were a bit stupid – I could call them rookie mistakes. In Qatar, however, it was a very strange thing and nobody likes to crash. I crashed once at each test, but from now on… ‘no more anymore’.”