Jack Miller is ready to make his mark at this weekend’s Spanish MotoGP in Jerez, aiming to recover from a challenging event in Qatar. Fresh from his best form at the Andalusian circuit with a victory in 2021 and a podium finish in 2023, the Australian rider is keen on a new beginning after an arduous time at the Lusail International Circuit.
“I’m really looking forward to racing in Jerez and bouncing back after what was a tough weekend for us in Qatar – both in terms of my feeling with the bike and my physical condition, which wasn’t at its best,” expressed Miller, having suffered food poisoning. His enthusiasm is palpable as he anticipates competing on a track he enjoys and expects to compete strongly.
Notably, Miller made an essential ergonomic adjustment during the Qatar Grand Prix, recalibrating his handlebar position to regain control after trials in Austin. Although a crash concluded his race, the refined setup enhanced his comfort with the Yamaha M1. “We made a change back for the race, dropped the handlebars down probably another 10mm, back to where we were prior to Austin and felt better again, just a little less twitchy in the front,” he stated.
His optimism grows, given the bike’s improved handling despite the mishap in Doha. Miller’s futile trip in Qatar ranked contrastingly with Yamaha’s noteworthy fifth-place achievement at COTA. Such inconsistent outcomes prompt team director Gino Borsoi to label Jerez as “a key weekend to better assess our true level” for Yamaha’s burgeoning satellite team.
“Jerez is not only the first track of the European season, but it’s also one that suits Yamaha’s strengths well, so I’m hopeful we can have a strong performance,” asserts Borsoi. Acknowledging the completion of their ‘shakedown’ phase, he recognizes the expanded grasp they now have on the team’s dynamics and evolution over recent races.
Borsoi remains constricted between relaunching and gauging Yamaha’s progression post-Qatar difficulties. “After the difficulties in Qatar, I wouldn’t necessarily call this a restart, but I do believe it’s a key weekend to better assess our true level,” he affirms. He is optimistic about showcasing progress, drawing attention to strides made in recent months.
Meanwhile, Miguel Oliveira‘s continued shoulder injury absence sees Yamaha test rider Augusto Fernandez stepping in alongside Miller at Jerez. As anticipation builds, all eyes focus on how Jack Miller’s resolve unfolds, shaping his ongoing quest for momentum and success at one of his favored tracks.
