Straight-talking Australian Jack Miller raised a laugh at the pre-race press conference when asked what had made the difference, after his very strong start to the year.

“It’s the big thing between my legs,” he said.

He quickly elucidated … “the engine.”

It made all the straights a huge pleasure, “particularly when there’s a Suzuki in front of you,” he laughed.

Having switched from a year-old Ducati GP17 in his first year on the Italian bike last year to a factory-spec GP19 this year, he said the difference was significant in all areas, but particularly in terms of horsepower.

The extra power allowed a valuable change in riding style. “I don’t have to brake like an idiot and cook the front tyre.”

By Michael Scott

Photos GnG