MotoGP 2021: Jack Miller makes inglorious exit as inferno engulfs Styrian Grand Prix

Frustrated Ducati rider Jack Miller has blown up over his disappointing exit from a drama-packed Styrian Grand Prix, a race marred by an incredible fireball.

Aussie Jack Miller has apologised to fans and his Ducati team after crashing out in the final stages of the Styrian Grand Prix in Austria.

Rookie Jorge Martin won the race at the Red Bull Ring in just his sixth attempt at elite level.

Miller knows his bid to challenge for the world championship has been hampered by his failure to finish.

The factory Ducati rider was fourth with just seven laps to go and was closing on championship leader Fabio Quartararo but slid into the gravel.

“I had a podium finish in my pocket with 10 laps left, but I asked too much of my front tyre and completely threw it away.’’

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A track marshal tries to extinguish the fire following a crash involving Aprilia Italian rider Lorenzo Savadori and KTM Spanish rider Dani Pedrosa. Picture: AFP

The burning motorbikes lie on the Red Bull Ring racetrack in Spielberg, Austria. Picture: AFP

Track marshals put out the flames. Fortunately, both riders were able to walk away. Picture: AFP

Miller was full of praise for Martin, who was dominant and confident in his first triumph for his former Pramac Ducati team.

“In between my sulking, I went next door to their garage and congratulated them,’’ he said.

Martin had recovered after a serious accident during practice in the Portuguese round in April and was out of action for two months.

Jack Miller pours on the throttle before his untimely exit. Picture: Getty Images

Miller was frustrated with his late exit, especially when a podium finish was on the line. Picture: Getty Images

“Dreams come true if you daydream,’’ he said after the Austrian victory.

World champion Joan Mir (Suzuki) finished second, while Quartararo (Yamaha) held on to third to extend his championship lead.

The race was halted on the third lap when Dani Pedrosa went down on Turn 3 and Aprilia rider Lorenzo Savadori smashed into the stricken KTM. Fuel spilt on to the track and caught fire, bringing out a red flag and a restart after a long delay.

Miller’s teammate Pecco Bagnaia had blitzed the original start but struggled after the resumption and finished 11th.

Valentino Rossi, in his first race since announcing his season-end retirement, finished 13th on the Petronas Yamaha.

Australian Remy Gardner finished fourth in the Moto2 race behind winner Marco Bezzecchi, but still has a 35-point lead in the title race.

The teams stay in Austria for the next round next weekend before heading to Silverstone in England at the end of the month.

Originally published as MotoGP 2021: Jack Miller makes inglorious exit as inferno engulfs Styrian Grand Prix