Miller expecting to pass Phillip Island fitness test

The Aussie has been under an injury cloud for a fortnight now, thanks to a broken leg sustained during a trials bike accident.

The subsequent operation and recovery meant he missed out on last weekend’s Japanese GP, the Marc VDS rider opting to instead head to Townsville for more rehabilitation.

Having already declared himself fit enough to race, his next test is convincing the MotoGP medical staff that he’s good to go – something he’s confident he’ll be able to do.

“I saw the doctor last night walking down the Yarra [River], and he saw me walking down the Yarra, and he said more or less [it will be okay],” said Miller.

“Of course I’ve got to go and pass the medical, but half the job is done there.”

Miller added that his recovery has included 230 kilometres on a pushbike, which has left him satisfied that he’ll be able to operate a MotoGP bike without too much discomfort.

“I’ve been doing some rehab on it and trying to get it in the best shape I could in terms of swelling and stuff like that. And also cycling, stuff like that, trying to get the motion and the strength in it to ride the MotoGP bike.

“Missing last weekend wasn’t easy, it always sucks missing out on a GP. But to be honest, it’s been pretty good considering. Three days after the operation I was back on a turbo trainer, an exercise bike, and last week at home I did 230 kilometres on a pushbike. That’s not too bad, although it was in Townsville so it’s all nice and flat.

“It’s always hard to say until you ride the bike, in terms of flexibility. Also over the race distance, it’s a long race at Phillip Island, a lot of laps.

“In terms of swelling and all of that we’ll see how we go – but my feeling is that it should be alright.”