Is Miller’s time up at Ducati? Bastianini and Martin in play to replace him

Should Miller lose his factory ride then various MotoGP options are likely to remain on the table for the Australian in 2023. 

Miller could well remain at Ducati with former team Pramac, while switches to Suzuki (depends on what happens with Joan Mir) and Honda (LCR has been rumoured) could be intriguing and realistic options. 

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While a move back to Pramac could be seen as a step backwards, Miller would be placed on identical machinery to current team-mate Francesco Bagnaia and whoever replaces him. 

Speaking on the grid for last weekend’s Portimao Grand Prix, Ducati Lenovo Team Manager Davide Tardozzi confirmed as much while also stating that retaining Miller, regardless of what team he’s in, is a big priority for the Italian manufacturer. 

But would Miller want to go back to Pramac? Well, recent statements from the man himself suggest he would: "I’m just here to ride my motorbike and do the best I can. That's all," said Miller after the American Grand Prix earlier this month. "If I get a job next year with Ducati, it is what it is. I’d be more than happy to stick around. I love the group I’m with.

Staying with Ducati, a manufacturer that arguably has the best package on the grid would normally sound like a no-brainer. But with other factory rides likely to open up elsewhere - options that could equate to him being a bigger priority for the team - then Miller might be best inclined to leave Ducati. 

Whether he actually leaves Ducati or not, a place in the factory team for 2023 is considered very unlikely at this stage, so who could replace the former Moto3 world champion. 

Two names that are already being touted and are the odds-on favourites to fight for that seat are Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini. 

Why Martin has a case to be Bagnaia’s team-mate…

In terms of raw speed there’s perhaps no one better than Martin. 

The Spaniard has proven time and time again, whether it be qualifying or race situations, that when it counts he can deliver astonishing pace. 

Yes it’s been a bit more evident in qualifying which is why the word ‘pole-hound’ has been bandied about, however, Martin has also shown an ability to fight for race wins despite being less competitive during practice - take the 2021 season finale at Valencia and Argentina at the beginning of the month as examples. 

If there is one knock on Martin it’s to do with his consistency, as one weekend he can be magnificent, before being sub-par the next. 

When he qualifies well, which is often, Martin rarely struggles to keep pace at the front. And given the fact it’s just Martin’s second season in MotoGP, the Spaniard’s potential going forward is huge. 

2022 MotoGP results are in favour of Bastianini - is that enough?

In terms of who’s had a better start to 2022, then that without doubt goes the way of Bastianini. 

The Italian has been nothing short of sensational despite a crash last time out in Portimao. Bastianini remains the only rider to win more than one race so far this season, which is a stunning achievement in itself given the level of MotoGP in 2022. 

While Martin has so far shown more raw pace, especially over one lap since entering the premier class, Bastianini has a skill that even other Ducati riders on more advanced machinery can’t match. 

The Italian is extremely delicate with how he uses the rear tyre, which in turn translates to the 2020 Moto2 world champion typically being one of the fastest riders come the end of race. It’s what helped him take victory in both Qatar and America, and why a serious title challenge is possible should mistakes be eradicated. 

Both riders made mistakes that resulted in a DNF in Portimao, as did Miller who wiped out Suzuki rider Joan Mir. 

The talk in Portugal was that Martin was set to join the factory team after having a ‘Ducati’ contract in his pocket, but with ‘silly season’ in full flow, it remains to be seen whether Ducati go down that route or choose another rider.