For some time now, Jack Miller has been frequently cited as one of the biggest prospects in the category. Despite its immense popularity among fans, it must be recognized that the business is struggling to take off.
His time with the factory team Ducati was supposed to take him to another dimension, but the transition turns out to be more difficult than expected. As a reminder, Miller still triumphed twice consecutively, at Jerez and at Le Mans, all enhanced by an additional podium in Catalonia.
This is the second best “performer” behind
Fabio, but how come he is 56 points behind the leader, stagnating between third and fifth place in the standings? Regularity.
Often we tend to say that “regularity” is key. Yes, it's a fact. But this is sometimes difficult to explain, to conceive, to materialize for the human mind.
Of course, falls are an integral part of the situation, but there too there is a difference to be made.
Falls like Kidneys au Portugal
or the family Mugello, as serious as they can be psychologically for a pilot, are suffered in the confidence phase, when the pilot pushes to catch up with the first. This makes it often easier to explain them.
Will Miller gain the upper hand over his teammate? Response at the end of the season. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
What Miller suffered Assen is different. The Australian too often lacks racing rhythm, whether it ends in a fall or not. This is his second clean result after Portimão, but the analysis should not be limited to errors on track alone.
His two ninth places in Qatar, on a circuit favorable to the Ducati, are also disappointing. If we count the total of his three worst results excluding falls, Miller points to 24 points, against 31 for Johann Zarco ou
38 for Fabio Quartararo.
The conclusions are clear: Miller must not only stop falling to hope for the podium, but also score more points when he is in difficulty. If we rely on the previously mentioned index,
bagnaia, his teammate, who seems less consistent at first glance, is actually far ahead, with 31 points scored in his three worst results.
To win a championship, speed and consistency are not the only determining factors. THE " damage control ”, or trying to stay the course when all the elements are against you is just as important.
Another interesting fact illustrates the fact: Ahead of Miller in the ranking (5e), only “El Diablo” has won at least one race. His predecessors all have at least one blank result, and he has two in nine races, which does not represent such a big gap.
The Red Bull Ring and its two rounds will surely determine the end of the season. You will have to respond presently. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
The passage to Duacti Team was it really beneficial? Apart from three falls, Miller counted 26 points on his three worst results (in nine races) during the 2020 season, which is roughly equal to his 2021 totals.
Speed is another important data. The Aussie has still not achieved a pole position or a fastest lap in the race. Let us be clear: The situation is far from alarming, but Jack will have to put his finger on these adjustments if he wants to tickle the podium of the world championship.
Falls happen, and they will happen again, even if, in absolute terms, it is better to avoid them. Beyond that, it is above all this control of difficult situations and a little extra speed that he lacks for make the difference.
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
