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Jack Miller arrives at Le Mans very hungry for a comeback after his Jerez DNF. During the final stages of the race, the Australian crashed following contact with the Aprilia of Aleix Espargarò. The controversy between the Australian and the Spaniard continues, though the Pramac rider appears relaxed.
“To be honest I'm not interested in what he says. In fact, he was very rude on the flight home. He used bad language and told me I deserved to crash. Looking at the images again, I was on the inside going into that turn, contrary to what Aleix said, as he ran wide. I was simply following my line, but then Espargarò came in and I went down. He even complained that I didn't say sorry. I don't know what apology he wants, seeing as I crashed too. it's good to know there are people like that in the paddock anyway”.
Jack, let's turn the page. How are you feeling ahead of Le Mans?
“It's not a bad track, or a bad place, we're in France after all. Last year I finished fourth and that was good, while the year before eighth. I really like this track and think I can adapt well to the bike. I think it's a favourable track for the Ducati and so am confident”.
Ciabatti has said that after Mugello they will start to make plans for 2020.
“To be honest, I just have to focus on doing my best based on my potential, so bringing home the best possible result every weekend. Here at Le Mans I want to make up for Jerez and my mind is focused only on this, I'm not thinking about the factory Ducati right now”.
This track can suit the Ducati well.
“The sensations are good, particularly in terms of braking and acceleration. I think the package our bike depends on can help us and we can exploit our strengths here”.
Back to Jerez, where the Ducatis found themselves playing catch up. Did you expect that?
“I wasn't particularly surprised. In Spain I felt good in terms of the flying lap, but once past Cal I struggled with the tyres. I had trouble braking and was suffering through the turns."
The weather is an unknown at Le Mans. Are you worried?
“Rain is almost guaranteed, but I'm confident. They've redone the asphalt and so I expect good grip. I'm interested to see what the weekend will bring.”
Last year fourth, so are you aiming for the podium this year?
“Definitely. I will do all I can to be even closer to the top three and I want to stay positive, as we have the potential. Rather than a podium, it's important to be in the top five. Then if I have a chance to fight, I will do so”.
Jack, how useful was the latest Jerez test?
“We evaluated various aspects regarding the setting, but nothing new. There were positives and negatives, but overall sensations were good. We also worked on the braking system”.
How do you explain the fact that Ducati is playing catch up?
“We're only on the third race but Ducati and everyone in Borgo Panigale is working hard. The level of the playing field is high, the gaps small. I'm sure the team will continue its work in order to improve”.
