Jack Miller’s outlook on KTM’s developmental progress

Jack Miller has delivered an optimistic assessment of KTM’s readiness for the 2024 MotoGP season.

The Austrian manufacturer caught the eye during the three-day preseason Sepang test, along with Aprilia, by using bold aerodynamics.

And Pedro Acosta, the prodigious rookie with Tech3 GASGAS, shone particularly on the opening day to raise optimism within the KTM camp.

Factory rider Miller said: “The bike is working pretty well. I’m really happy with the improvements we’ve made throughout the winter.

“I did the fastest lap that I’ve ever done, around here.

“Still a second off the other boys, so we need to find a little bit more. But we’ll find it come race time.

“I feel more confident going into racing this year than I did last year.

“We were able to iron out some of the things that we needed to, to understand the package going forward.

“Another positive day. I’m keen for a sleep, to reflect on this test, and understand where I can find another second!”

Miller confirmed that KTM have almost finalised the set-up for the bike which will begin the MotoGP season.

“Pretty much, we know what we want,” he said. “Some version of it. We’ve tried countless version this week.

“We have a clear understanding. We know where we’re going.

“In terms of electronics, whatever we’ve brought has been a big improvement.

“There are still things to iron out with it, obviously being a new system.

“But it’s working really well.”

Miller said about similarities to the 2023 bike: “The engine is pretty similar.

“We didn’t need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to an engine.

“Our engine was quite strong. It needed polishing. And that’s what they were able to do.”

But not everything is perfect.

“My weakness today? When I wanted to put a time attack together, putting the rear in shape,” Miller said on Thursday.

“I had countless highside moments.

“It just comes down to… there are variables. Lean angle, position. You feel like you are driving really well, but all of a sudden you pick the bike up and the grip goes away.

“It’s all to do with electronics.”

Miller finished 11th last year, his first since swapping Ducati for KTM.

But he trailed teammate Brad Binder who was an outsider in the title battle before finishing fourth.

The pressure will ramp up, particularly on Miller, with the arrival of Acosta into the premier class.

Miller ended Thursday, the last day of the Sepang test, 14th-quickest.

MotoGP will head to Qatar for a two-day test, the last chance for KTM to finalise how they will begin the season, before the first round in the same location on March 8-10.