Australian MotoGP rider Jack Miller is said to be doing ‘good’ after being involved in a terrifying crash at the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday.
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 stuck on the inside of Binder, fell to the ground and appeared to hit the rear wheel of Yamaha rider Quartararo with his head.
He then slid across the track in turn two, with Repsol Honda rider Joan Mir, unable to avoid him, running over one of the Australian’s legs.
Emergency crews quickly arrived on the track and provided medical care to Miller while the race was halted.
He was then taken to the medical center by ambulance. Fortunately, the KTM rider was later seen on Fox Motorsport walking back to the paddock and did not suffer any serious injuries.
KTM confirmed in a statement: ‘That was a big shock. We are happy to report that both Binder and Miller are fine and back in the box.
“Both will obviously not participate in the Malaysian MotoGP race as we prioritize and focus on their recovery.”
They later highlighted the serious risks riders exposed themselves to every race weekend.
“Today was a stark reminder of the risks our drivers face every time they are on the grid.
“Both Brad and Jack were involved in a serious incident on the first lap, but we are extremely grateful that they are both OK and emerged from the crash relatively unscathed.
The Malaysian Grand Prix was red flagged on Sunday after a huge crash involving several drivers
Red Bull KTM rider Jack Miller (left) is said to be ‘OK’ after the scary incident
All other drivers are said to have escaped serious injury after the high-speed accident
‘Moments like these remind us of the power and resilience of this sport. Now the focus is on recovery and preparing for the season finale. We are grateful for every message and outpouring of support.”
Quartararo also appeared to be largely unscathed after the incident and was able to resume the race. Miller, meanwhile, did not return following the Grand Prix’s resumption.
After the incident, Mir had also spoken about his concerns for Miller’s well-being.
“To be honest, I was very concerned,” he said. ‘In the first start I made a super good start, I recovered a lot [positions] in the first corner.
‘I was around the top 10, so if I… [second] In the corner I could be in a very good position, but then I find the crash with Fabio and Miller, and I went over Miller.
“When I saw the ambulance and all that stuff, I was really worried because I don’t know how he was doing 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 crash, with MotoGP stewards coming to the same conclusion after an investigation.
boss Francesco Guidotti has also stated that no one was to blame for the crash, with MotoGP stewards reaching the same conclusion after an investigation.
“Luckily no one was injured,” Guidotti said. ‘Everything is fine. Jack went to the medical center for a check-up, but he is doing well. No pain anywhere.
‘It was very bad to see, but luckily no injuries. Brad tried to start for the second start, but left shoulder pain did not allow him to go.
‘It wasn’t safe for himself and the others. He might check the shoulder tomorrow to see if the pain is still there.
‘Based on the picture we have, it is not really clear. It looks like Brad was very much inside and touching someone in front of him.
‘And then he had to pick up the bike and hit Fabio. Fabio hit Jack. Was like a domino [effect]. I think it is a racing incident and nothing should be punished.
The Australian (centre) was later seen walking back to the paddock from the medical center
Medical teams quickly arrived at the track to treat those involved in the crash
“We have to be happy that both of them are doing well and look at the last race.”
Miller, who made his debut in MotoGP in 2015, has won four times on the main circuit and achieved 23 podium finishes in 176 races.
He currently sits 14th in the championship standings, having amassed 84 points so far this season.
After the race restarted, Ducati Lenovo rider Francesco Bagnaia would claim the top spot, while Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini also reached the podium.
