Australian MotoGP rider Jack Miller is said to be “fine” after being involved in a terrifying crash during Sunday’s Malaysian Grand Prix.
The race was red flagged after the Queenslander made contact with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Brad Binder and Fabio Quartararo in the first corner.
The 29-year-old became trapped inside Binder and fell to the ground, appearing to headbutt Yamaha rider Quartararo’s rear wheel in the process.
He proceeded to slide down the track in turn two, and Repsol Honda rider Joan Mir, who was unable to avoid it, ran over one of the Australian’s legs.
Emergency crews quickly arrived at the track and provided medical care to Miller while the race was stopped.
He was later taken by ambulance to the medical center. Fortunately, the KTM rider was later seen at Fox Motorsport walking back to the paddock and did not suffer serious injuries.
KTM confirmed in a statement: ‘That was a big scare. We are happy to report that both Binder and Miller are fine and back in the box.
“Both will obviously not be taking part in the Malaysian MotoGP race as we prioritize and focus on their recovery.”
They later emphasized the serious risks runners take every race weekend.
‘Today has been a harsh reminder of the risks our drivers face every time they line up on the grid.
“Both Brad and Jack were involved in a serious incident on the first lap, but we are beyond grateful that they are both okay and have emerged from the accident relatively unscathed.
The Malaysian Grand Prix was red-flagged on Sunday following a major accident involving several drivers.
Red Bull KTM rider Jack Miller (left) was said to be “fine after the terrifying incident”.
It is understood that all other drivers did not suffer serious injuries following the high-speed crash.
‘Moments like these remind us of the strength and resilience of this sport. Now the focus is on recovery and preparation for the end of the season. “We are grateful for every message and great support.”
Quartararo also appeared to be largely uninjured following the incident and was able to restart the race. Miller, for his part, did not return after the resumption of the Grand Prix.
After the incident, Mir also spoke of his concern for Miller’s well-being.
“Honestly, I was very worried,” he said. ‘In the first start, I made a very good start, I recovered many (positions) in the first corner.
“I was in the top 10, so if I could take the (second) corner I could be in a very good position, but then I found the collision with Fabio and Miller, and I ran over Miller.
‘So when I saw the ambulance and everything, I was very worried because I don’t know how he was because I ran over his legs. I was worried about him.
But then I went to his box and he said, “I’m fine, I’m fine, I have a bruise here (on my leg),” so I said, “Oh, perfect.” But I was worried.’
KTM boss Francesco Guidotti has also stated that no one was to blame for the accident, and MotoGP stewards reached the same conclusion following an investigation.
Boss Francesco Guidotti has also stated that no one was to blame for the accident, and MotoGP stewards reached the same conclusion after an investigation.
“Fortunately no one was hurt,” Guidotti said. ‘Everything’s fine. Jack went to the medical center to get checked out, but he is fine. There is no pain anywhere.
“It was very bad to see, but fortunately there were no injuries. Brad tried to start the second start, but the pain in his left shoulder did not allow him to do so.
‘It was not safe for him or the others. Maybe tomorrow he will go check the shoulder to see if the pain persists.
‘From the image we have, it is not very clear. It looks like Brad was very, very deep inside and touched someone in front of him.
And then he had to take the bike and hit Fabio. Fabio hit Jack. It was like a domino (effect). I think it is a racing incident, there is nothing that can be penalized.
The Australian (centre) was later seen walking back to the paddock from the medical centre.
Medical teams quickly arrived at the track to provide treatment to those involved in the accident.
“We have to be happy that they are both okay and look forward to the last race.”
Miller, who debuted in MotoGP in 2015, has won four times on the main circuit, achieving 23 podiums in 176 races.
He is currently 14th in the championship standings and has accumulated 84 points so far this season.
Once the race restarted, the Ducati Lenovo rider, Francesco Bagnaia, took first place and Jorge Martín and Enea Bastianini also got on the podium.