Miller: “If I went back in time, I’d skip Moto2 again”

The Australian endured a difficult first year in the premier class last season aboard an LCR-run Open class Honda, scoring points on only six occasions with a best result of 11th at Catalunya.

This prompted doubts over whether Miller’s direct graduation from Moto3 – where he finished as runner-up behind Alex Marquez in 2014 – was a wise choice.

But the 21-year-old, who now rides a factory-spec Honda RC213V for the Marc VDS squad in his sophomore MotoGP season, says he would make the same choice again.

"100 percent, I have no regrets,” Miller told Motorsport.com. “It’s my second year riding against the best of the best and I don't think we missed too much [skipping Moto2].

“I did one year in MotoGP and Tito [Rabat, teammate] is coming as a world champion from Moto2 after many years of experience, and on the same bike he finished 12 seconds behind me in Qatar. So I'm happy".

Top 10 finishes the target

Speaking about the difference in potential between the Open class RC213V-RS and his current machine, Miller said regular top 10 finishes on the factory machine has to be the target for 2016.

“Everything is a little bit different,” he said. “We have better electronics, better gearbox, the bike is more close to the others, although we are yet to see it.

“I'm hoping that with more time we can now make some headway and really start use the full potential of this factory bike. [The goal is] to be in the top 10 every race, that's where we need to be.”

Honda appointed former 500cc Grand Prix winner Alberto Puig in the middle of the last season to help Miller lift his performance, with a particular focus on his fitness.

But Miller revealed the Spaniard has played a less hands-on role so far in 2016: “This year I haven't really worked so much with Alberto.

“We still get along very well and he helps me and advises me on some things, but in general everyday work I do alone."

"My dream is to stay with Honda"

Looking to the future, Miller has a year remaining on his three-year HRC deal, and says he hopes to remain at Marc VDS for a second campaign if he can achieve the necessary results to appease his paymasters.

“My dream is to continue with Honda, but we need to keep bringing some better results and hopefully there is a good chance for us,” he said.

“For now of course the call is to stay here, and I'm really happy with my team at the moment. I would love to stay here for another year, that's for sure, although it’s a little bit early [to say] now".

Interview by Federico Faturos