Image: Supplied.

Sampling for the first time the 2023-spec RC16, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jack Miller has outlined the engine maps ‘need a little polishing’ following the final pre-season test at Portimao, but the Australian believes both he and the team ‘can be quietly confident’ ahead of the MotoGP season-opener.

Miller completed 131 laps across the two days at Portimao, notably providing feedback on various electronics settings while the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team were visibly testing different aerodynamic solutions.

The number 43 concluded the two days 17th fastest on the overall timesheets, crucially just 0.941s from pace-setter Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) who was over seven-tenths faster than the previous qualifying record courtesy of a 1m37.968s. The vast undulation of the 4.5km layout in Southern Portugal arguably provides unique set-up challenges, with the general feeling optimistic from Miller ahead of the first round of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship at the venue.

“We’re getting there. We cut almost another second today and got closer to the top rider who was six-tenths under the lap record!” Miller recalled. “I’m just trying to understand the bike and try different things to get comfortable. We are improving every day and it is taking some time but we’re getting to a decent spot before the first race. Our [engine] maps need a little polishing but I think we can be quietly confident.”

The 2023 MotoGP World Championship commences at Portimao, Portugal between 24-26 March and will notably feature the debut of a sprint race on Saturday for premier class competitors.