Jack Miller Secures Factory Ducati MotoGP Ride
Rennie Scaysbrook | May 27, 2020
Jack Miller will be a full factory Ducati MotoGP rider in 2021. The Australian has signed a one year deal with the option of an extension in 2022, although it is uncertain who he will partner in the team.
Miller will become the third Australian to secure a promotion to the factory Ducati squad after Troy Bayliss and Casey Stoner.
Odds are he will be replacing his former Pramac Ducati teammate in Danilo Petrucci, who moved up to the factory Ducati team in 2019, securing a memorable win in the Italian MotoGP. However, Petrucci’s inconsistent second half of the season is likely to see him being shown the door for 2021. Petrucci could end up in WorldSBK on the Aruba.It Ducati or move across to the Aprilia MotoGP if Andrea Iannone’s 18-month ban is not overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Veteran Andrea Dovizioso will likely stay within the team for 2021, although contract negotiations have stalled somewhat over financial concerns.
“First of all I want to thank warmly Paolo Campinoti, Francesco Guidotti and all the Pramac Racing Team for the great support I have received from them in the two and a half years spent together,” Miller said. “It is an honor for me to be able to continue my MotoGP career with the Borgo Panigale manufacturer and I would like to thank all the Ducati management, Claudio (Domenicali), Gigi (Dall’Igna), Paolo (Ciabatti) and Davide (Tardozzi), for having trusted me and given me this incredible opportunity. I look forward to starting riding again this year, and I am ready to fully commit to the responsibility of being an official Ducati rider in 2021.”
You’d be happy too…
Miller will become the third Australian to ride for the factory Ducati team, following in the footsteps of Troy Bayliss (2003-2005) and two-time MotoGP World Champion, Casey Stoner (2007-2010).
“Since he arrived in the Pramac Racing Team, Jack has grown steadily, proving himself one of the fastest and most talented riders in the championship,” said Ducati CEO, Claudio Domenicali. “So, we are happy that he has agreed to ride the official Desmosedici GP bike of the Ducati Team next year. We are convinced that Jack has all the right skills to fight continuously for the positions that matter, in every race, starting already this season with the Desmosedici GP20 of the Pramac Racing Team, and taking a further step forward next year thanks to the support of the Ducati Team.”
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