Jack Miller looks to minimise mistakes in rookie MotoGP race in Qatar

JACK Miller had to scroll a little further down the timesheets than he is accustomed to after his first practice session in MotoGP in Qatar.

DOHA, QATAR - MARCH 25: Jack Miller of Australia and CWM LCR Honda speaks in paddock during the MotoGp of Qatar - Press Conference at Losail Circuit on March 25, 2015 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images)

JACK Miller had to scroll a little further down the timesheets than he is accustomed to after his first practice session in MotoGP in Qatar.

The Australian, second in last year’s Moto3 world championship, ended his first day in the sport’s top flight in 19th place, 1.7 seconds off the pace of the fastest man in the session Marc Marquez.

But the reigning two-time world champion is not the yardstick Miller should be measured against this year. Instead, his benchmark is whomever is the fastest rider aboard Honda’s production-spec MotoGP machine, the RC213V-RS.

Catch an exclusive interview with Jack Miller during this weekend’s V8 Supercars coverage on FOX SPORTS 506. Watch a snippet of his chat with Jessica Yates in the player above.

In the battle of the Open class Hondas, Miller ended his first session just 0.332s off the pace of the highly-experienced Karel Abraham, and 0.069 of a second ahead of 2006 world champion Nicky Hayden.

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“I’m happy with today,” Miller said. “It could be better, but I need to minimise my mistakes — I was making too many out there tonight.

Miller and teammate Cal Crutchlow head out of the pits.

“For now though I’m just happy to get the first MotoGP session of my career out of the way.

“I felt comfortable on the bike and the lap time wasn’t too bad, so tomorrow I hope I can improve the situation.”

The two other Australians racing in this year’s world championship acquitted themselves well on the opening night at Losail.

Anthony West ended the opening Moto2 session in eighth place, ending the day in 15th overall after failing to improve in the second session.

Remy Gardner, son of 1987 500cc world champion Wayne, ended his first day as a full-time rider for CIP in the Moto3 class in 27th place.

Watch every minute of MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 practice, qualifying and racing LIVE in HD from Qatar this weekend on Fox Sports 506.

Originally published as Jack Miller looks to minimise mistakes in rookie MotoGP race in Qatar