Miller - 'My feeling with the Desmosedici is great' ahead of MotoGP opener

MotoGP racing returns this Sunday with the first of two races at the Losail International Circuit, and Ducati's Jack Miller is a firm contender for victory following the Qatar test. 

The Australian set the quickest lap over the course of the six days in Doha, beating the 2019 lap record set by Marc Marquez in the process. 

Having made the move from Pramac Ducati to replace two-time Qatar Grand Prix winner Andrea Dovizioso, Miller will be looking to make it three wins in succession for the Italian team in Losail. 

"Finally, we are back in action for the first Grand Prix of 2021 this weekend," said Miller.

"The official Qatar Test had been really positive, and I have never felt so comfortable on the bike before starting the Championship as this year.

"My feeling with the Desmosedici is great, and also, our speed is not that bad. I hope we will find good track conditions all weekend to prepare ourselves well for both races that we will have here in Losail.

"For sure, also our rivals will be really competitive here, but I am determined to start the new season on a high, fighting for the top podium as I did at the end of last year."

If testing performances are a true indication of the current pecking order heading into Sunday, Miller and fellow Ducati riders Francesco Bagania and Johaan Zarco will have stiff competition from Yamaha and Suzuki. 

The Qatar GP has been present on the calendar since 2004 and has seen Ducati take 11 podiums, including five victories.

Miller will be hoping to add his name to a highly decorated, but short list of Ducati race winners at the Qatari venue, with Casey Stoner and Dovizioso combining for the five victories.

The action begins this Friday with FP1 at 15:40 local time, while the race gets underway on Sunday at 20:00 local time (GMT+3).