Motorcycle racing great Kevin Schwantz believes Jack Miller has the ingredients to become a force in MotoGP over the coming years.
Competing in his second year in the premier class, Miller confirmed his burgeoning talent by scoring a maiden grand prix win in the wet at Assen in June.
However, victory aside, the 21-year-old Australian has endured a challenging year that has been hampered by a series of injuries ruling him out of five races.
Miller has also been striving for consistency having finished in the points on just three occasions outside of the breakthrough win.
The Marc VDS Honda rider crashed out of last weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, which marked his return to the category after recovering from a fractured hand sustained at the Red Bull Ring in August.
Speaking ahead of Miller’s home race at Phillip Island, Schwantz, the 1993 500cc motorcycle world champion, has reaffirmed his belief that the Aussie will develop into a leading figure in the sport.
Miller finished last year’s Australian Grand Prix in 15th position having won the Moto3 race the season before.
“I really like Jack and I think he’s got the talent to be one of the best,” Schwantz told the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix podcast ‘Keeping Track’.
“It was great to see him win in Assen and I’m sure that really helped his confidence, and it’ll be interesting to see him back, even more so at Phillip Island.
“He’s got to remember when he gets there that there’s going to be all the pressure of a home Grand Prix and not let that get to him, but I think that Jack has got a really bright future.”
Miller will be joined in the premier class by countryman Mike Jones, who will stand in for Avintia Ducati rider Hector Barbera.
Opening practice at Phillip Island is scheduled to begin on Friday at 0955 local time.
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