World champ backs Aussie to be ‘very strong’ as ‘scary’ Phillip Island challenge looms: Guide

Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia expects Australian MotoGP star Jack Miller to be “very strong” as the competition heads to Phillip Island on Sunday.

Bagnaia, who has not won in Australia, will be out to extend his 16-point lead over second-placed Jorge Martin in the championship standings.

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But he’ll also have to keep an eye out for Miller on the track as the latter looks to erase his 2022 race at Phillip Island from his memory having been forced to retire after a crash.

“I think he (Jack Miller) will be very strong,” Bagnaia said.

“He loves to race at home, like every rider, and it’s extra motivating for him.

“Last year it was very competitive, but unluckily he crashed.

“But I think this year, KTM will be very strong.”

Despite not having tasted success on Australia soil, Bagnaia is excited to race on a track he believes is one of the fastest in the competition.

“I really like the speed of the layout,” Bagnaia said.

“It’s incredibly fast and in two or three places, it’s very scary.

“But everybody knows how nice it is to ride there.

“I love corner three, it’s one of the best corners in the world.”

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