Pumped up after his magnificent victory at Assen last month, the Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS rider intends to ride the wave of success at the German MotoGP Grand Prix organized this weekend at the Sachsenring circuit.
Miller made history at the Dutch TT by becoming the twelfth Australian to win in the premier class and the first rider to win in Moto3 and MotoGP. Also the tenth youngest winner in the category, the Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS driver is now focused on the next stage at the Sachsenring.
Miller made his debut in the 125 Grand Prix at this circuit in 2011, and he won there in 2014 in the Moto3 category after starting from pole position. This weekend, he will aim for his sixth top ten in a row and will be able to count on the motocross training he has been able to resume since Assen.
For the first time since his ankle injury in January, the Australian took part in three days of off-road racing. He was thus able to measure the progress made in his leg, both in terms of strength and mobility.
Tito Rabat also intends to enjoy the pleasures offered by the Sachsenring circuit with its ten left turns and right turns. Since his broken collarbone in Italy, the Team Estrella Galicia driver has just completed two races in the points.
On the eve of a three-week summer break, Miller and Rabat can also be optimistic, the Sachsenring circuit seeming to be rather successful for the Honda drivers. Since 2009, victory has not eluded the world's leading manufacturer in Germany.
Jack Miller:
“In Assen, I realized a dream, but now we have to look ahead and concentrate on doing the best possible in Germany. It won't be an easy weekend but the Sachsenring is a circuit that I like and on which I have already had success. What is encouraging is that this track seems to suit the Honda well. We have reason to be optimistic, especially since my victory has given me confidence. I am sure we can do well this weekend and thus confirmed the progress made over the last four Grands Prix. My leg is getting better and better and this will help me too. Since Assen, I was able to get back on my cross bike, which I had not been able to do since my accident in January. I have regained my strength but I still lack a little movement due to the scrap metal they put in my ankle. We will continue to work whatever happens, hoping to relive the emotion we experienced in the Netherlands as quickly as possible. »
Tito Rabat:
“I am happy with my performances since my return after my Mugello injury. I struggled in Montmelo but I was still able to score a few points. As for Assen, I had problems with my shoulder during changes of direction but I was able to come out of it again not too badly. I have prepared well for the Sachsenring which will mark the halfway point of my first season in MotoGP. I learned a lot during these first races in order to be more competitive for the future. I think the configuration of the circuit, the characteristics of the Honda and my riding can form a good combination this weekend. I hope to be able to obtain my best result of the season in Germany. »
Michael Bartholemy: Team Principal
“Jack's victory at Assen will remain an unforgettable experience for the whole team, especially since it was preceded by Franco's first podium a little earlier. We now have to get back to work and concentrate for the next meeting in Germany. The Sachsenring is a difficult circuit but it is also a track where the Hondas performed well last year. I hope that Jack and Tito will take advantage of it this weekend after this outing at Assen which gave them confidence. I know they both want to finish the first half of the championship on a good note and I'm sure they can take another step forward with the bike at the Sachsenring."