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Jack Miller says he remains focussed on clinching the Moto3 world championship despite the distraction of a move to the premier class looming next year.
The 19-year-old has been the talk of the paddock in recent weeks after agreeing a three-year deal to join LCR Honda next season, which will see the Townsville teenager make the unprecedented jump from Moto3 to the top tier of motorcycle racing.
Speculation regarding Miller’s future in the sport has been rife this season having established himself as the Moto3 championship leader for the majority of the campaign.
However, in the weeks leading up to and after the news of his move to LCR Honda, the young Australian has slipped 25 points behind rival Alex Marquez in the Moto3 standings.
Despite a life changing few months, Miller says he is determined to end the season with the Moto3 title and is desperate to put on a show in front of his home crowd at Phillip Island this weekend.
“My life has changed a lot over the last 12 months,” Miller told Speedcafe.com.
“I just have to remember I’m a scrub from Townsville who rides motorbikes for a living. Its not too hard to keep my feet on the ground.
“Its been nice to lead the Moto3 championship all the way through until the last two races. It has been a dream come true.
“Now I have finally have the machinery to deliver the job I always thought I could do.
“We definitely need 25 points we have been looking strong for it in the last couple of races and we just haven’t had that luck we needed.
“My home race couldn’t have come at a better time after two difficult weekends.
“We have been competitive at those last two rounds but it hasn’t quite come together in the race. There are 75 points to be won and we need to try and close the gap.”
Miller’s move has not gone unnoticed by some of the sport’s biggest names with multiple grand prix winner Dani Pedrosa offering advice to the rising star.
The Honda rider believes Miller faces a huge task in making the leap from Moto3 to MotoGP but is confident he will settle as long as he takes his time to learn the category.
“For sure it is a big jump and he will have to manage many things at the beginning that he is not used too. But MotoGP has many people around that can help and advise him,” Pedrosa told Speedcafe.com.
“He will be a good rider in MotoGP which is great for Australians.
“My advice is to take your time because in MotoGP you pay a little bit more for mistakes. Not that the crash is expensive the mistake is expensive for yourself.”
Miller finished today’s opening free practice session at Phillip Island in fifth spot just 0.464s behind Danny Kent, who topped the timesheets from Marquez.
