The 2024 season starts today! Until the first Grand Prix of the Season, Let's talk MotoGP will try to detail as best as possible the expectations surrounding all pilots; Jack Miller's turn. This will be accompanied by a short prediction, and of course, you are invited to give yours in comments. Yesterday, we continued this series with Augusto Fernandez, in an article that you can find by clicking here.
Torturous situation
Jack Miller is not in the best position. Author of a mixed season last year, he is back with KTM at the highest level, for at least another year. Given its production over the previous year, there is cause for concern. After a good start to the season, he had wasted more good opportunities than converted poorly started situations. In November, I expressed my great regret regarding the extension of Jack Miller within the official team, on a motorcycle, which, in my opinion, must have been for Pedro Acosta and no one else.
In fact, the KTM group must now assume its choice and believe in “Jackass”, even if it is difficult. The machine will undoubtedly be better, because the RC16 has only improved since 2020. But will he reach another milestone? That's the whole question. If he wants to get back into the race for interesting places, he must, firstly, stop falling when it matters most – I think Pit Beirer still hasn't digested this wasted double in Valencia, but also, simply be more proactive, more thoughtful. And making such a change at 29 years old is no easy feat..
In addition, he will face arrows and this is perhaps his biggest disadvantage. Brad Binder was on the overall podium on equal bikes, while Augusto Fernandez, rookie, was capable of more diligent performances than him if we exclude the first third of the season. A part notably marked by the Spanish Grand Prix, one of Miller's only big shots in 2023.
Now Augusto is entering his second year, and Pedro Acosta arrives as a heralded genius. Obviously, there is reason to doubt. Add to this the fact that its place has already been discussed during the past financial year. The signals of a departure at the end of 2024 are starting to be felt, at least if nothing changes. But let's not sell the bear's skin before we have killed it. Let's look a little ahead of us.
The prognosis
I have to admit, I'm not very optimistic about Jack Miller's career progression from this point on. I think, in hindsight, that his arrival at KTM was more due to his results on Ducati than to his talent alone, if that makes sense. Where he was an excellent second driver capable of replacing Bagnaia, he wanted to become the first option on the Austrian, but clearly, he was not up to his handlebars.
It's tough, but I see him as KTM's weak link. Pedro Acosta, who had ample arguments to steal his place, should have no trouble catching up with Jack Miller in all areas of the driving. Even if he struggled during winter testing, I imagine Augusto Fernandez tickling him in points, or even finishing in front. The Spaniard has the advantage of consistency, that's for sure. I'm not even talking about Brad Binder, who doesn't play in the same category. There was no match in 2023, and in my opinion, very subjectively, there will be no match in 2024. The South African is a driver who can compete with Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin over a full season, or almost.
Attention ; I still think Miller capable of winning a Sprint, and why not, a Grand Prix in special conditions. A success, no matter what, would make his season better than the previous one. Still, I'm looking at some sort of drop in the overall standings, from 11th to about 13-14th, barring injuries, of course.. This would involve a transfer to a satellite team, which, I think, would correspond more to his level and his undeniable qualities.
And you, what do you think will happen to Jack Miller? It's time to get wet! Tell me in the comments!
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport