Five-time world champion Mick Doohan tips rising star Jack Miller to be our next MotoGP hope

AN AUSSIE two-wheel legend is tipping rising star Jack Miller could soon return to Phillip Island aboard a MotoGP bike.

IT'S supposed to be a home race for rising Moto3 star Jack Miller. Well, sort of.

"I don't claim Phillip Island to be part of Australia - we don't get this weather where I am," the 18-year-old Queenslander joked as rain lashed the Victorian circuit ahead of Sunday's Australian Grand Prix.

"But it's good to be home-ish for a little bit anyway. I haven't been back (to Australia) since February."

Miller has enjoyed a standout second season in the entry-level Moto3 category this year aboard an FTR Honda for Caretta Technology.

He has posted an impressive 11 points-scoring finishes in 14 races so far, earning him seventh spot on the overall standings.

"It's been a good learning year but it has been hard as well," Miller said.

"The bike, handling wise, is awesome. But we struggle a lot in the straight lines and it doesn't help me being one of the heavier guys out there as well."

But things can only get better.

The young gun from Townsville next year joins leading Moto3 team Red Bull KTM Ajo - the current home of fellow Australian and future prospect Arthur Sissis.

"I'm really happy to have the opportunity to go and ride for those guys. They've got a great track record for producing world champions," Miller said.

"All hopes are there, but we'll see."

The move has made many take notice of Miller - including five-time world champion Mick Doohan, who predicts he could be riding in the top-tier MotoGP by 2015.

"He's been spoken about quite frequently in the paddock," Doohan told AAP.

"If he can keep that momentum rolling and keep that noise about him in the paddock, then the sport certainly takes notice and we'll try and put another Australian in.

"He's a hard little racer and I think people respect him for that.

"People can just see in his eyes that he has the want to succeed."

Asked whether he thought Miller could reach the heights of two-time MotoGP world champion compatriot Casey Stoner, Doohan was hopeful but wary of how difficult it is for Australians to break into top teams like Stoner's Repsol Honda.

"Having the financial support of some multinational would be fantastic, it'd make life easier to get him into a top-tier team without just being selected through sheer talent," Doohan said.

"It's harder these days - especially from Australia being such a small populated nation - to get the backers.

"At the end of the day, if he's winning, somebody will pick him up. Because regardless of who the sponsor is, if you're winning, they're happy."

Practice kicks off at Phillip Island for all three MotoGP classes on Friday morning, ahead of qualifying on Saturday and racing on Sunday.