The Australian spoke to journalists on the day of the presentation of the RC16 for 2023. He gave a favorable opinion on the Sprint race: “It will be great for the fans and for us”
January 26, 2023
Jack Millerwith a longer beard than usual, spoke to reporters on the day of the presentation of the KTM RC16 for 2023. Miller is 28 years old and his best finish in the general classification is fourth place in 2021.
For the Australian this is one new challenge: after winning a race with Honda in 2016 and three with Ducati between 2021 and 2022, Miller has the chance to be the first rider (Vinales could also do it) to win MotoGP races with three different bikes:
Do you ever think about it? Is it a goal?
“Sure! And succeeding is a goal. It’s already nice to be able to try, then we’ll see how it goes because the MotoGP is no joke and it will be difficult to succeed. First you have to think about how to stay in the top three, then I’ll think about winning.”
Miller retraced the times in which he raced with KTM, in Moto3…
“The bosses are the same, then I met Francesco Guidotti again (after the period in Pramac, ed) and I brought Pippi with me (that is, Cristhian Pupulin, his crew chief, ed), so it’s not all new. I’ve been in the company and it’s grown”
How different is KTM from Ducati?
“I found a very open minded. There is a lot of faith in this project and I am happy to be part of it”
On the bike…
“KTM has weak and strong points and the people who come from Ducati will be useful. If there are similar problems, finding a solution will be easier. The bike has great potential.”
adapt to one new bike It worries you?
“I know it’s not an easy thing, especially now that everyone in the MotoGP is fast, as we saw with Vinales when he moved to Aprilia: it took him time but I think he will improve further. In a perfect world I would be ready for the first Portimao race. There are two important tests and I need to understand what KTM needs. The first part of the season will be decisive (for the adaptation to the bike, ed)”
Pfirst impressions after Valencia test?
“Having a test after a GP is special because the track is in perfect condition, with rubber. I look forward to seeing what happens in Sepang. In Valencia I felt at ease quite soon, it left me with good sensations. I know that KTM worked a lot over the winter, also following my instructions”
What ne do you think of the Sprint Race?
“Coming from dirt track and cross, shorter races, could help. Then I’ve always been stronger in the first part of the race, so that’s fine. I think it will be interesting for the fans, but also for us riders. It’s an important change and it’s nice to be there.”
