Jack Miller returns to the podium at the Algarve GP

Jack Miller has had a solid weekend at the Algarve Grand Prix; after qualifying in P2, he was able to fight for the final step on the podium on Sunday.

The Ducati Lenovo Team rider started alongside his teammate and eventual race winner Francesco Bagnaia on the grid. Miller had the best start; however, he had to go wide at Turn 1, allowing his teammate to resume the lead. Miller immediately came under pressure by Joan Mir, who eventually got by on Turn 8.

Through the middle stages of the race, the Australian had Jorge Martin, Alex Marquez and Fabio Quartararo in hot pursuit.

In the race's final stages, a fight between Marquez and Miller was unfolding for the final podium spot. Turn 1 witnessed Miller dive up the inside of the Honda, but Marquez could make the cutback work with six laps to go.

Miller and Marquez continued to challenge one another, with Miller maintaining the lead as they approached the race's final lap.

However, the last lap didn't arrive as a crash involving Iker Lecuona and Miguel Oliveira at Turn 13 brought out the Red Flags. With three-quarters of the race completed, the race was declared a result at the beginning of Lap 24.

Miller ends a podium drought that stretched back to the Catalan Grand Prix.

After the race, Miller reflected: "It's nice to finally be back on the podium, even though it was a little strange to end the race with a red flag.

"I was ready for a big battle on the last lap with Alex Marquez, who was really close. But I'm thrilled: we have worked well all weekend, and in the last GP, we were able to be competitive in all sessions, just missing the result on Sunday.

"Finally, we were able to reap the benefits of our hard work today. I'm happy Ducati won the manufacturer's title: we have a fantastic bike, perhaps the strongest on the grid! Now we go to Valencia and try to close out this season in the best possible way".

Quartararo remains in front in the standings with 267 points, Bagnaia in second with 227 and Mir in third with 195. Miller moved up to fourth with 165 points.

The final race for the 2021 MotoGP™ season is next weekend at the Valencia Grand Prix.

Welcome back to the podium, @jackmilleraus 🇦🇺

The Aussie held off @alexmarquez73 for third place 👏#AlgarveGP #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/j2lAVtXU6i

— Australian MotoGP™ (@ausmotogp) November 7, 2021