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Photos: 2015 MotoGP Preview - Jack Miller

A recap of the 2014 Moto3 runner-up's pre-season tests on the RC213V-RS

March 26, 2015

Jack Miller got his first taste of the LCR Honda RC213V-RS Open machine at the post-season Valencia test. Before that, the largest bike Miller had ridden was the 250cc single he raced in the Moto3 Championship.

Miller finished the Valencia test 25th overall. "In terms of lap times, we’re not too far away if you consider that I’ve only just come from Moto3 and I feel happy with the progress and look forward to improving even more as we ride it more. We’re not focusing on the times just now though - the main goal is just to get more and more comfortable."

The 20-year-old Australian continued to adapt to the RC123V-RS during day one of the first Sepang test, but would make the biggest strides on day 2. "Today I’m particularly happy with the progress we have made on the bike," said Miller after the second day of testing. "I certainly seem to have found a bit of the confidence we have been lacking. We were quicker on every single exit from the pits so that makes us all happier."

The LCR Honda team slowly began to increase electronic control as the testing continued, after having started the pre-season tests with very limited rider aids so that Miller could learn to ride the bike without the electronic aids.

Miller's best lap at the second Sepang test was a 2:01.593, but the Aussie was still happy with the progress. "We’re not too far off. I’m the second of the rookie riders out there so that makes me happy because there are some other more experienced guys that have been used to bigger bikes behind me, so it’s good to be where we are."

“For now I’m reasonably pleased overall, but I will admit that I’m looking forward to the next test in Qatar, which is a track that’s a different style and a bit more flowing. It will be good to get there and try out another circuit on this bike," said Miller about the upcoming (and last) pre-season test at Qatar.

The Qatar test was actually a turning point for Miller too, as he finally got inside the two-second barrier and ran just 1.9 seconds from the leaders on day one. "But we can’t celebrate yet because this is just testing and we still have a lot of work to do so I can be more comfortable with the bike,” said the 20-year-old.

Miller ended day 2 of the Qatar test (and thus, pre-season testing) in 21st place, with the best lap of a 1:56.758, compared to Dovizioso's 1:54.907. "I also made the lap time all alone, which is a positive for me and honestly a real boost,” he added.

In preparation for the start of the 2015 MotoGP season, Sport Rider is taking a closer look at a few of the top riders from pre-season testing, plus a MotoGP rookie following in Casey Stoner’s footsteps.

Today we take a look at Jack Miller, the 20-year-old Aussie who is making the jump from Moto3 to MotoGP this year. Miller is riding a RC213V-RS for the LCR Honda team and is teammates with Cal Crutchlow. Scroll through the gallery above to see photos from Miller's pre-season tests and read about how the 2014 Moto3 runner-up feels about the progression he has made since jumping off a 250 and onto the MotoGP bike.