Jack Miller feels fortunate to have escaped a terrifying crash during the opening lap of MotoGP’s Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. The Australian motorcycle racer expressed gratitude for his good fortune after his early crash on Sunday, as his helmet collided with the rear tyre of Fabio Quartararo’s Yamaha, followed by Joan Mir’s Honda running over his legs. The incident occurred during the first lap when Miller’s Red Bull KTM tangled with his teammate Brad Binder, leaving the 29-year-old motionless on the track while Binder and Quartararo managed to walk away from the red-flagged scene.
There was widespread relief when Miller was quickly transported to the medical center, and later images showed the popular Australian walking back to the garage. “Lucky to walk away from that one today. Thank you to everyone for the kind messages,” Miller posted on Instagram, also informing Mir that he had only sustained a bruised leg. Red Bull KTM issued a statement acknowledging the risks their riders face, expressing gratitude that both Binder and Miller were unharmed.
Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia claimed victory in the race, followed by Jorge Martin, whose lead over the Italian now stands at 24 points ahead of the season’s final race. Among the three involved in the crash, Quartararo was the only one to restart with a spare bike, finishing sixth. “I had a big touch with Brad or Jack, then I was flying and after that I don’t really remember. Those things can happen,” Quartararo recounted. Mir admitted to being concerned when he saw the ambulance on the track treating Miller. “I didn’t know how he was, I ran over his legs and I was worried for him,” Mir said. “I went to his box [after the race] and he said, ‘No, I’m fine, I’m fine’.” Miller’s crash marks another setback in an already disappointing season, with the four-time race winner currently lying 14th in the championship standings.
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