Pramac believes Miller 'close' to factory move

Jack Miller's Pramac Ducati team manager Francesco Guidotti has added further weight to rumours that the Australian is set to move up to the Official Ducati team for the 2021 MotoGP season.

“The most logical and normal situation is that Jack will go to the factory team,” Guidotti told MotoGP.com.

Pramac believes Miller 'close' to factory move

Jack Miller's Pramac Ducati team manager Francesco Guidotti has added further weight to rumours that the Australian is set to move up to the Official Ducati team for the 2021 MotoGP season.

“The most logical and normal situation is that Jack will go to the factory team,” Guidotti told MotoGP.com.

"He started with us with the goal of riding for the factory team. After a difficult first year, I think last year he showed a very good potential, he made a big step."

The Italian added: "He [Miller] is ready for the factory team... They’re doing the negotiations and, as far as I know, it’s not done yet. But, of course, from both parties there is the intention to do the deal.

"I think it’s close."

It's quite a turnaround considering that just one year ago Miller's Pramac seat was under threat from Jorge Lorenzo. That prompted interest in the Australian from KTM, the factory with which the #43 had fought for the Moto3 crown, before Miller and Ducati reached an agreement for 2020.

"Last year Jack could have gone when KTM offered him a bunch of money, but he stayed with us with, let’s say, not for little money but much less," Guidotti said. "It means he’s very happy with the technical aspect, he likes the bike and the feeling is good."

Miller, who claimed a shock MotoGP win in the wet at Assen in 2016, enjoyed his best premier-class season to date last year with five podiums and eighth in the world championship.

Should the 25-year-old, already contracted directly to Ducati and provided with factory-spec machinery, be confirmed at the Official team it would presumably leave current riders Danilo Petrucci and Andrea Dovizioso to battle over the remaining place.

Meanwhile, Pramac's role as a starting point in MotoGP for young talent means a rising Moto2 star would be expected to take Miller's place alongside Francesco Bagnaia next year.

Jorge Martin is one name that has been mentioned, but other possible candidates include Lorenzo Baldassarri and Miller's fellow Australian Remy Gardner.

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