Will Jack Miller ride in the Ducati factory team again in 2023, or will he be replaced by Jorge Martin or Enea Bastianini – He himself criticises that he has no info from Ducati
Who will be the second rider in the Ducati factory team next year? Francesco Bagnaia is set until 2024 inclusive. Jack Miller’s contract expires at the end of the season. He could be replaced by Enea Bastianini or Jorge Martin, for example. Miller himself thinks that he is currently up in the air from Ducati.
There have been no talks about his future so far. “No, no talks,” Miller confirmed to ‘Autosport’. “What can I do? I can only do my best. I mean, I can’t change it.”
“I’ve been in this situation many times. There’s no point stressing about it. I can only do my best on the track. That’s it. There has been no word from them so far. It does hurt to be left in the dark. But what can I do about it? “
Miller was given a contract for 2021 in the spring of 2020, while Bagnaia was signed straight away for 2021/22. Finally, Miller was also extended for another year. Bagnaia received a new two-year contract for 2023/24 before the start of the 2022 season.
So it is clear who Ducati is counting on. Does it bother Miller that he constantly only gets one-year contracts? “Sure, sometimes you start to doubt and try to understand why it happens. But I have no control over it. I can only do what I can. “
“I want things to work out. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t. I can’t do anything about it. I can only do my best and hope I can stay here a little longer.” Last year he won two races but had no chance of winning the world title.
Political factors are decisive
Miller believes he is loved by Ducati. He suspects that in the background political factors are decisive for the fact that he has no information regarding his future. This uncertainty is also causing unease.
“I feel it, there is a great atmosphere here. I love being here. That’s why it already weighs on you when you think about not being able to stay. I know they would love to continue with me, but it’s not all on them. “
“It’s a very political job. It’s the shitty part of motorbike racing. I don’t feel like I’m a liability. I try to do what I can. And everything I do is for the team – always,” Miller insists.
Staying with Ducati is his Plan A. But just in case, the Australian is also listening to other teams. “Of course! I’m not a piece of sliced ham. There are other interests out there and I know I’ll find a job somewhere in this paddock. “
“I am not worried. Even when I was up in the air in the past, I kept Ducati’s word. Even when I was at Pramac and they wanted to sign Lorenzo again [for 2020] and I didn’t have a job at that time.”
“I know there are many people in this paddock who want me. It wouldn’t be a problem to find a job. That’s for sure. But my main focus is to stay here. If I get a job from Ducati next year, then I would be very happy.”
If Miller were to lose his place in the factory team, would he also consider a return to the Pramac team? “I wouldn’t care. The bikes are all fantastic. They have the same equipment. As long as I can live my dream in MotoGP, that’s the most important thing for me. I want to have the chance of podiums and live my dream. “
