There’s no doubting Jack Miller’s love for MotoGP™. The factory Ducati rider wears his heart on his sleeve every time he takes to the track and has that larger than life personality off of it which makes him one of the most popular figures within the paddock, and ensuring his love for the sport is reciprocated. However, some big decisions regarding the future of the Australian lie ahead.
At the end of the current season, Miller’s contract with Ducati Lenovo Team is up, meaning he joins a whole host of riders who are out to secure a 2023 MotoGP™ seat as the European leg of the Championship kicks off. Given the form and potential of satellite riders Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), already a two-time race winner this season and the current title leader, and Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing), poleman in Qatar and Austin as well as an Argentina GP podium finisher, they have been touted as possible factory riders from next season. With Francesco Bagnaia’s (Ducati Lenovo Team) place already safe after his recent contract renewal, it leaves Miller in direct competition with the sophomore riders for the remaining factory seat.
The speculation matters little to Miller though, insisting he would be equally happy returning to Pramac next season if he were to lose out.
"I wouldn’t care. As you can tell, the bikes are all good. They’re fantastic. I know for a fact that they’re on the same equipment. It doesn’t bother me. As long as I’m in MotoGP getting to live my dream, then that’s the main thing for me. Getting the opportunity to fight for podiums and be here with all the fans, that’s the main part," Miller said.
Speaking during Sunday’s post-race Press Conference, where Miller had just secured his first podium of the season, the Aussie was asked whether results like that are a requisite to remain with the factory team in 2023.
"I’m just here to ride my motorbike and do the best I can. That’s all. If I get a job next year with Ducati, it is what it is. I’d be more than happy to stick around. I love the group I’m with. As I said, I’m just focused on this year. Focused on trying to do the best job I can do."
Very much focused on the here and now, Miller sits seventh in the Championship standings and 30 points off of P1 after four races, but recognises it’s still early days with another 19 dates pencilled into the calendar.
"This Championship is so long and so many things can happen. It’s MotoGP in 2022. I’m the tenth rider now on the podium, and we’re at the fourth race. That says it all. This Championship is wide open. The real Championship will start once we get back to Europe and get going through the motions.
The next opportunity Miller will have to notch a first win of the season is at Portimao on April 24th, for the Tissot Grand Prix of Portugal. Make sure you tune in then to see how the Aussie fares on the opening fixture of the European leg of the Championship.