Jack Miller turns attentions to 2021 MotoGP in absence of post-season test

Jack Miller says Ducati is attempting to get a jump on its rivals by turning its attentions towards the 2021 MotoGP World Championship season with tweaks to its fleet of Desmosedicis for the final two rounds of the season.

A double podium winner in 2020, though Miller’s season has been constrained by some unfortunate moments from opportune positions - such as the tear-off initiated mechanical stoppage in Misano and his technical issues in Le Mans - he remains on course to end the year inside the top ten overall.

This precedes his move to the factory Ducati team for 2021 where he will succeed Andrea Dovizioso as team leader in scarlet colours.

Quickest of all in free practice today in Valencia - the second of two events to be held around the Spanish circuit in as many weeks - Miller says he was ‘reasonably’ happy with his lap but for now 2021 takes priority in the wake of the traditional post-season test being scrapped.

“We never put a tyre in on free practice one, we were working on the race pace and I was able to stay consistent with a 1m 31.7/8, then same again this afternoon to try and be consistent. We didn't get too much of a chance to try anything last week so we will try and do the normal things we would. 

“In the end, we put a soft in and closed the eyes. I felt like I had some margin on my race pace and it wasn't too far away, plus I have some places I can work on, but in general I am reasonably happy with the lap. A couple of moments here and there, so something to work on tomorrow.

“We are still playing with set-up a little bit. Last weekend we were able to get a bit of a base set up so today we are just trying to play with the bike we have and the areas it affects, improves or makes worse, so we can understand the direction to go next year because we don't have a test.”