Is there a world where Jack Miller is still a KTM factory rider in MotoGP next year? Clearly, he was not up to par in Qatar, while his “teammate” within the GasGas Tech3 team, Pedro Acosta, continued to shine during the night. Should we already consider a change of team for the Australian?
In trouble
Clearly, things couldn't have gone worse for Jack Miller. Under pressure from Acosta at Tech3, he knows full well that he is KTM's fuse. Already last year, I wondered about the risky choice of letting Miller ride on the RC16 decorated exclusively by RedBull rather than entrusting it to Acosta. This would have allowed the rookie to familiarize himself with the very high level, put the necessary pressure on him to shine, and also provide a little competition to Brad Binder. The Australian does none of that. Worse, it could cost the Mattighofen firm dearly if it does not improve very quickly.
Of course, there was only one race, but everything moves quickly in our sport, and its poor form is starting to date. Let's just say that doesn't help his case. Photo: KTM
Not qualified directly in Q2, he still managed to interfere in the decisive session at the end of Q1, but almost got knocked out by Johann Zarco for his first with Honda LCR. Then he joined Acosta and Binder, but incredible as it may seem, both finished ahead of him after the fifteen minutes of the session. A poor 11th place in qualifying is not great, especially since his teammate started from 4th position, while this exercise is historically its weak point.
Invisible during the Sprint, he crossed the line in 10th place, once again behind Acosta and Binder. During the Grand Prix, he fell alone, but still managed to get back on his steed. This resulted in a final position. It's extremely skinny.
Why is it problematic?
One down. 20 to go! First race weekend of 2024. ✅
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Jack Miller is no Marc Marquez, that's for sure, but he has proven in the past that he can at least be useful as a second driver. In this role, precisely, he was not ridiculous alongside Pecco Bagnaia at Ducati. This year again, the reds will undoubtedly be untouchable, but Aprilia, on the other hand, is well within reach of the quartet. And yet, if we combine the great difficulties encountered by Augusto Fernandez at Tech3 (light years from Acosta), and the poverty of the spectacle offered by “Jackass”, then there is reason to ask questions.
Binder can contain Aleix Espargaro, and even take back points from him. But can Jack Miller do the same to Maverick Vinales, or will the shark Acosta replace him in this match?
At the start of 2023, Miller wasn't that far behind Binder on the slopes. Since the end of last season, they have not evolved in the same dimension. Photo: KTM
Régression
The worst is that since his arrival at KTM, Jack Miller has only regressed, or almost. Remember the 2023 Portuguese Grand Prix, the first of the season. He was there, with the best. Then, also in Jerez, he managed to make an impression whether in qualifying or during the two races. The gap only increased with Brad Binder. Since mid-last season, Jack Miller is no longer able to make any differences, to surprise. It's sad, and it doesn't bode well.
He absolutely must react and live up to his equipment if he wants to have any chance of remaining in MotoGP. Contracts are being signed earlier and earlier, so you shouldn't delay. This is essential, because after reading many comments following the Qatar Grand Prix, I have the impression that the role of paddock troublemaker is no longer enough to cover up the missed opportunities which weigh heavily in the balance.
What do you think ? Tell me in the comments!
Only a contractual question can explain the fact that Miller kept this handlebar instead of Acosta. Photo: KTM
Cover photo: KTM
