Miller reflects on 'painful' retirement at French GP
Monday, 12 October 2020
The Aussie was in the mix at Le Mans.
Australia’s Jack Miller has spoken of his disappointment after being forced to retire from the French GP while battling for victory.
Miller was in the mix with eight laps to go at Le Mans before withdrawing from the race due to a mechanical failure.
Earlier, the race start was delayed as rain fell at the circuit, with all riders switching to wet tyres – an exciting prospect for Miller, who traditionally thrives such conditions.
Launching from second on the grid behind MotoGP™ World Championship leader Fabio Quartararo, Miller quickly took the lead before engaging in a podium battle with Ducati factory riders Danilo Petrucci and Andrea Dovizioso.
Pramac Ducati rider Miller maintained his place in the leading pack, keeping pace with eventual winner Petrucci, before a loss of power and billowing smoke from his engine ended his charge prematurely.
One that got away 🤕 We had an issue with the engine that sprung up in the warm-up, so we swapped to the second bike. It rained so we had to switch back to the original bike with the wet set-up, we didn't have time to fix anything and the inevitable happened. One of those days... pic.twitter.com/bcg59T41dR
— Jack Miller (@jackmilleraus) October 11, 2020
“This is the painful face of racing,” Miller said after returning to his garage visibly frustrated.
“I am very sorry because we did well all weekend, the feeling with the bike during the race was great.
“I was doing everything well and then the mechanical problem forced me to return to the pits.
“The whole team had worked very well and when these things happen to you are even more disappointed.”
The win was Petrucci’s second in MotoGP™, while Alex Marquez (Repsol Honda) claimed his maiden premier-class podium, and Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) completed the top three. Dovizioso was fourth.
Miller returns to racing this weekend for the first of two consecutive MotoGP™ rounds at Motorland in Aragon, on 16-18 October.
