MotoGP: Miller upgrading to latest Honda engine

Jack Miller will be upgraded to the latest specification of Honda’s new big bang engine this week in the final pre-season test of the 2017 MotoGP season, as they begin gathering data ahead of the opening round at the Losail track in a fortnight’s time.

The Estrella Galicia Marc VDS rider has been running the oldest specification of the engine since testing began, using the original version first tested – and liked – by Marc Marquez, Dani Pedrosa and Cal Crutchlow towards the end of 2016.

However, with the others running a new and updated version of the engine after Marquez reportedly requested more power from the less aggressive engine, Miller says he’s looking forward to trying it out.

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“I’m feeling really good after the tests in Sepang and Phillip Island and I’m looking forward to carrying that momentum into the final preseason test in Qatar, where we’ll be testing the latest specification Honda engine for the first time. It’s been a good preseason so far; we’ve found some improvements and, step-by-step, we’ve managed to go faster, finishing inside the top ten last time out at Phillip Island.

“Now we’re heading into the final test before the season gets underway and the aim is simple; to make sure we’re fully prepared for when the lights go out for the first time in 2017.”

He’ll be joined at the test by returning teammate Tito Rabat, back after a broken collarbone at the first Sepang test ruled him out of action in Phillip Island a fortnight later

“The last four weeks have been all about rehabilitation, working with the physiotherapist to recover from the injuries and also the surgery. I am still not back to full fitness but I’m fit to ride and although we’ll need to take the injuries into account in Qatar, this won’t stop us from enjoying a productive test.

“This test isn’t about pushing for a lap time, it’s about working with my crew, rebuilding my confidence with the bike and ensuring we are as well prepared as it’s possible to be when we return to the Losail International Circuit for the first race of the season.”

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