The major maneuvers have begun at KTM with a view to replacing its rider Johann Zarco who will not do a second MotoGP season on the RC16. Moreover, it is not even said that the same Frenchman will finish the current campaign. At this stage of the year, there isn't a plethora of good free riders. Jack Miller was a great opportunity. But the Australian has no hard feelings against Ducati who would have left him on the sidelines to take over Jorge Lorenzo…
Things came to a head in Austria when it became clear that Johann zarco would not continue his adventure with KTM. A premature end that disrupts plans and opens up opportunities. On its land, the Mattighofen firm had every reason to welcome the placing in the spotlight of Jack Miller within the Pramac Ducati team mobilized to receive a Jorge Lorenzo who would have made a resounding return to the Desmosedici.
Jack Miller revealed himself in Moto3 within the official KTM team managed by a Aki Ajo who is his manager. Add to that the prospect of a bike within a real official team and the great opportunity to thumb his nose at the bosses who discredited him for the duration of a rumor, and you will have every reason to see A Jack Miller departing towards Mattighofen.
However, the Australian kept a cool head, although disappointed by Ducati's attitude towards him. He explains on Speedweek why he is going to renew his lease with Pramac Ducati: “ it's a huge relief. I had other options, but my main goal was to stay with Pramac and compete in a GP20 next year. Here I can fight for the podiums. I don't want to miss this opportunity ».
Too hot 🔥? #austrianGP @motogp @jackmilleraus pic.twitter.com/FzVZej2QuN
- Pramac Racing MotoGP (@pramacracing) August 10
« I worked to become a podium contender with Ducati. I don't want to take going back now. Everything is clear now with Pramac and Ducati. I met manager Aki Ajo after the race, then Ducati sporting director Paolo Ciabatti. It was a busy afternoon. Meetings like that aren't really what I want to do after a crash... ».
He finishes : " KTM did a good job. They reacted incredibly quickly when rumors emerged about Jorge's possible return to Ducati ", said Miller. " I sincerely appreciate KTM's consideration towards me. But this is my second year with Ducati and I want to reap the rewards of my work with this bike in 2020 ».
The KTM is therefore not a motorcycle that attracts, even in the best conditions to get hold of it. A situation that the Austrians will have to manage for 2020, and even for the end of this year.
