2017 MotoGP Preseason News: Miller Tests New Honda Bike at Qatar as Teammate Rabat Confirms Return

Mar 09, 2017 04:40 AM EST | Yen Palec

Australian MotoGP driver Jack Miller made his debut during this week's test laps in Qatar. Miller is driving the latest iteration of Honda's 2017 engine.

Miller, who is driving for Estrella Galicia Honda, will be driving the latest Honda RC213V bike, according to Bike Sports News. This should put Miller with the same bike as Honda's factory drivers and Cal Crutchlow, provided that no changes will be made before the official race begins later this month.

With a new bike to ride and a powerful one at that, Miller is confident that he should be able to crack at least the top pole spots with current frontrunners. Miller is driving the same bike with identical specs as that of Repsol drivers Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez.

"I'm feeling really good after the tests in Sepang and Phillip Island and I'm looking forward to carrying that momentum into the final preseason test in Qatar where we'll be testing the latest specification Honda engine for the first time," in a statement acquired by Crash, Miller said.

Meanwhile, Tito Rabat has been cleared fit to return for action in Qatar as Miller's teammate for Estrella Galicia. The Spanish driver missed the test lap session in Phillip Island after sustaining multiple fractures in a high side during the opening test of the 2017 MotoGP season in Sepang.

Rabat's bike is still unknown. There are speculations claiming that he might ride the same bike as Miller, although there are some that claim he will drive the older RC213V bike which Miller used at Jerez last year.

The 2017 MotoGP preseason test in Qatar will run from March 10 until 12. The 2017 season opener will also be at the same circuit which will commence on March 26.

See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?

© 2024 Auto World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Get the Most Popular Autoworld Stories in a Weekly Newsletter

Join the Conversation

Real Time Analytics