Jack Miller did not materialize in a Grand Prix of the Americas which he nevertheless led until five laps from the goal, before ceding control to Enea Bastianini on the Ducati GP21, even then letting Alex Rins and his Suzuki place him on the last step of the podium. But the Australian delivered the performance expected of him, which gives him arguments for the renewal of his lease with his current employer with disrupted plans. Because if the pundits of Borgo Panigale actually see one of their flock lead to the championship, it is not the one expected with unanticipated colors. The fact remains that Bastianini has a secret that Miller noticed and which also allows engineers to save millions of euros in research and development...
Jack Miller reveled in advance at the great battle between the Ducati in Texas, proclaiming to anyone who would listen that the difference would be made in driving in this competition on the Austin track. A double-edged announcement because in the event of defeat, there would be no more excuses. The Australian comes out of this confrontation beaten by Enea Bastianini in GP21, but winner of a Jorge Martin in GP22, not to mention his teammate, who, however, is not a danger for his future...
In fact, the man who moved up to seventh in the championship, 30 lengths behind the leader and second winner in four races contested this year in MotoGP, was not unhappy when leaving Texas: “ I don't think I pushed too hard, the pace was constant, even if I didn't push right away at first. From the eighth lap, I pushed to do fast laps and Maybe it was early, but I wanted to get away from the group. I suffered from some vibrations on the left, I was a bit on the limit, so I tried to drive slowly ».
« Then Enea Bastianini approached me, passed me at turn 11 and even though he went a little long he closed the corner. In the end, even Alex Rins managed to pass me. I couldn't keep second position, too bad », adds “Jackass”. “ I feel like I'm back on track after these first four races before returning to Europe. So overall, pretty happy ».
« I think I had a fantastic race, I can't fault myself for anything and I did my best » insists the Australian who must still answer this question which haunts the box Ducati since the start of this campaign: what is still missing from this GP22 to take precedence over its elder GP21 which is trying hard to carve out opportunities for it? “ I don't think the Desmosedici GP22 is worse than the GP21. Step by step we are getting closer and I don't think the GP21 is any faster ». Most Jack Miller also says that you should only look at the bike... There is also the rider on it and the teammate bagnaia do not hesitate to congratulate bastianini for his technique and… his physique: “ If I knew what Enea did on the Ducati to get that little extra performance, I would do it! It rides well, and when it passes, it looks effortless. He has a particular style where he sits in the center of the bike and his head is tilted... Even though the bike looks like it's moving, he looks solid and stays there ».
Jack Miller: “ Bastianini? He is unreal with the way he twists the throttle, he is able to ride it smooth and fast«
« This works because it is able to stay very firm on the bike. He's also a small guy, so he's very fast on the straights. He stops it well too... gaining 10 extra kilos is a little harder, I can tell you that. He's unreal with the way he twists the throttle, and he's able to ride it smooth and fast. For tire management it is the best thing. If I could imitate his style... I would continue to study. I've been racing MotoGP for years and trying to do it, and I haven't been able to do it yet ».
A beautiful tribute paid to the Italian by the Australian who, however, did not cross out the title in his intentions: “ I always have the impression that it’s a very open championship, it’s such a long season and so much has already happened… When you think that I am already the 10th driver to get on the podium and that it was the fourth race…That says it all. It's wide open, and the real championship will begin when we return to Europe ". This will be the case from April 22 to 24 in Portimao.
Jack Miller ends by talking about his future which he confirms he wants at Ducati, in red or not: “I'm here to race, it's what I love to do, the group is fantastic and I feel good with them, if they decide for me to stay I would be more than happy to continue racing with the Ducati , but for now I prefer to concentrate only on the quest for the championship, trying to achieve good results. Return to Pramac? It wouldn't make any difference to me. I'm where I want to be, I'm living my dream, and whether the bikes are good or bad, they use the same parts, so it wouldn't make any difference to me ».
Results of the MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin:
Classification credit: MotoGP.com
