Jack Miller hears factory Ducati team calling in possible game changer for the Aussie talent

MotoGP star Jack Miller will be hoping he can emulate the deeds of fellow Aussie Casey Stoner if he is picked up by the same factory team which took him to a world title in his first season.

Is that Team Ducati calling? Miller could be on the move next year.

Australian MotoGP star Jack Miller could be on the verge of signing with the factory Ducati team for 2021.

The 25-year-old Queenslander was likely to make the shift from the satellite Pramac outfit after Pramac team manager Francesco Guidotti said a deal with Team Ducati was “close”.

The Sunday Herald Sun understands that an official announcement is expected in coming days.

Miller had long been a candidate to graduate to the full factory team after two years with Pramac Ducati.

“The most logical and normal situation is that Jack will go to the factory team,” Guidotti told motogp.com.

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Australian MotoGP rider Jack Miller at home to Townsville. Picture: Alix Sweeney

“He started with us with the goal of riding for the factory team. After a difficult first year, I think last year he showed a very good potential, he made a big step.’’

Miller finished eighth in the championship last year with five podium results including a memorable third in his home GP at Phillip Island last October.

He finished out of the top 10 only once.

If the deal is done, Miller is likely to replace Danilo Petrucci and partner Andrea Dovizioso. Petrucci has been linked to a move to the Ducati World Superbike team.

Miller celebrates third place in the Australian MotoGP race at Phillip Island last October.

Miller would be the first Aussie to ride for a MotoGP factory team since two-time world champion Casey Stoner retired in 2012, then with Honda.

Stoner won the world title in his first season for Team Ducati in 2007.

Normally based in Andorra, Miller returned to his parents’ property near Townsville in late March when coronavirus lockdowns were coming into place.

He has since spent his time riding dirt bikes and keeping fit waiting for a possible start to the MotoGP season.

MORE MOTOGP: JACK SECURES NEW DEAL

Is that Team Ducati calling? Miller could be on the move next year.

Jerez in Spain has been named as the venue to host two rounds next month to begin the championship to begin.

The races would be without crowds or hospitality, as well as fewer people in team garages.

The COVID-19 outbreak has forced the opening 11 rounds to be cancelled from their original slot.

Rights holder Dorna hopes to salvage a 2020 series of about 10 to 12 races, most likely in Europe.

The Australian round at Phillip Island, scheduled for October 23-25, is still on the calendar for now but a decision on its fate is expected within a week.

@IanRoyall

Originally published as Jack Miller hears factory Ducati team calling in possible game changer for the Aussie talent