Jack Miller has opened up about the difficulties he faced during the 2024 MotoGP season with KTM, attributing much of the struggle to the brand’s slow adaptation to the Michelin 2024 rear tire and development delays. Despite his determination and hard work, Miller admitted that the last time he felt comfortable on the KTM RC16 was back in 2023, highlighting a significant decline in performance and results.
A Stellar Start in 2023 Ends in Frustration in 2024
Miller enjoyed a strong debut season with KTM in MotoGP 2023, managing to fight for podium finishes and even coming close to a win at the Valencia Grand Prix before an unfortunate crash. However, the story took a sharp turn in 2024:
- 2023 Highlights: Multiple podium finishes, including notable performances in Sachsenring and Jerez. He also led the Valencia GP, showcasing his potential on the KTM.
- 2024 Struggles: Miller ended the season ranked 14th with only 87 points, a stark contrast to teammate Brad Binder, who ranked fifth with 217 points. His best results of the season were two fifth-place finishes.
The transition to the Michelin 2024 rear tire proved challenging for KTM. The RC16 suffered from rear-end instability, a problem that particularly affected Miller. He expressed frustration with the team’s reliance on the same chassis from 2023, which failed to adapt to the new tire specifications.
Technical Challenges with the KTM RC16 in 2024
Miller pointed to several key issues that hindered his performance throughout the season:
- Rear Tire Adaptation: The new structure of the Michelin 2024 rear tire was a major hurdle for KTM, making the bike less stable and harder to control in critical moments.
- Slow Development: KTM struggled to bring meaningful updates to the RC16, leaving the team at a disadvantage against competitors who had optimized their bikes for the new tires.
- Chassis Limitations: Miller highlighted that KTM continued to use the same chassis from the 2023 Misano GP, which proved unsuitable for the demands of the 2024 season.
Despite these challenges, Miller praised his team’s effort but acknowledged the reality of falling short of expectations.
A Determined Spirit Amidst Challenges
Although 2024 was a disappointing year, Jack Miller’s resilience and determination stood out. He reflected on his performance with pride, noting his commitment to giving 100% effort in every race. “I never gave up, not for a single moment,” Miller said, emphasizing his perseverance even in the face of adversity.
The Australian rider recalled his double podium at the 2023 Spanish GP as the highlight of his time with KTM. He also pointed to his fifth-place finish at the Buriram GP in 2024 as a testament to his fighting spirit, especially under wet conditions.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter with Pramac Racing
Miller’s journey with KTM concludes as he prepares to rejoin Pramac Racing in 2025. The team, which will transition to Yamaha engines, offers a fresh opportunity for Miller to rediscover his competitive edge. After two challenging years with KTM, he expressed hope for a brighter future where he can meet his own high expectations.
Conclusion
Jack Miller’s time with KTM MotoGP has been a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by early successes and later struggles. His difficulties with adapting to the Michelin 2024 rear tire and the limitations of the KTM RC16 highlight the challenges of staying competitive in the ever-evolving world of MotoGP. As he transitions to Pramac Racing, fans and industry observers alike are eager to see how Miller’s determination and experience will fuel his comeback.
