Earlier Aragon date means Bagnaia, Miller optimistic

Jack Miller and Francesco Bagnaia confident the return of the Aragon MotoGP to a September date, plus the Desmosedici GP21's form at other previously difficult tracks, means they can be among the contenders this weekend.

Peter McLaren

08 Sep 2021

Jack Miller, MotoGP race, British MotoGP 29 August 2021
© Gold and Goose

The factory Ducati team struggled to a best of seventh and tenth amid cool conditions at last year's Aragon MotoGP races.

However, with this year's event reverting to its usual September date, temperatures should be around 8-10 degrees warmer.

Jack Miller was part of a double Ducati podium, alongside Andrea Dovizioso, in such conditions in 2019 and the current factory rider hopes the warmer weather can again heat up his Aragon form.

"I'm excited to be back racing at MotorLand Aragón," Miller said. "Last year, unfortunately, we didn't have two easy weekends at this track, but it was late October, and the low asphalt temperatures certainly didn't help.

"However, now it's early September, and the track conditions will be quite different from 2020. Also, the Desmosedici GP 21 has shown so far that it's competitive even on tracks where we've had a little more difficulty in the past, so I'm optimistic.

"In general, I like the circuit, and I've also scored a podium here, so I'm convinced that if we work well right away, we can have another good weekend here in Spain".

Miller was the top Ducati rider last time at Silverstone, finishing fourth after a last lap showdown for the final podium place with Aprilia's Aleix Espargaro.

By contrast, team-mate Francesco Bagnaia sunk from third to 14th place after being one of a number of riders to suffer tyre grip issues.

The Italian remains fourth in the world championship, 18 ahead of Miller and just one point behind Pramac's Johann Zarco.

"I'm happy to be back in action this weekend," Bagnaia said. "During this short break after the British GP, I tried to relax, but I also continued to train with my Panigale V4 S at Misano, and now I'm ready to get back on my Desmosedici GP.

"The last race at Silverstone definitely didn't go as we had hoped, but, both in practice and qualifying, our bike worked well even though we were on a track that doesn't usually suit its characteristics.

"This weekend we will race at Aragón, where we had some difficulties last year because of the low temperatures. This year, however, we arrive a month early, and the weather is still summery.

"Also, the Desmosedici has shown much improvement from last season, so I'm confident that I can be among the protagonists at this Grand Prix".

Bagnaia is now a massive 70 points behind title leader Fabio Quartararo, with Monster Yamaha now 47 clear of Ducati Lenovo in the teams' championship. However the constructors' battle is closer, with Yamaha just 9 ahead of Ducati.

Zarco was the top Ducati rider at Aragon last year courtesy of a fifth place in the second event, while riding the 2019-spec Avintia bike.