The Australian underwent surgery on the Tuesday after the Qatar Grand Prix due to problems with compartment syndrome and had to undergo a check-up in Portugal upon arrival to receive the OK to participate.
Miller was completing an uneventful weekend through Sunday. The Ducati rider got fourth on the grid and led the warm up. In the race he was rolling in the leading group when he hit his bones on the ground. Aleix Espargaró overtook him and when he forced himself to follow the rhythm the error came.
“I felt very good all weekend, even in the race. I saw that Quartararo was leaving, so I had to push. But hey, it was a stupid mistake that cost me a lot, because I was starting to feel good. “It was right in the middle of braking. I put a little more pressure on the brakes, there was no grip and the front wheel locked up. It was totally my fault,” Miller explained.
The worst thing for #43 was that the scar from the operation reopened in the crash, slowing down his recovery ahead of the next Grand Prix.
“I was thinking about getting my stitches out [Sunday] night, but when I fell, they just came off on their own! I didn’t realize it until I took off my overalls. As you can see, it left a good scrape. to put the stitches and we are going to start the cure from the beginning. So it is not time to get back on the bike until it is cured”.
The crash came after just five laps when he was running sixth, leaving in doubt how far the Townsville rider would have gone.
“ When you crash it’s very easy to say you would have been on the rhythm. My race was going well at the time, we just have to do better. Bagnaia had a fantastic race. fights that were everywhere. I take my hat off because it’s good for him and for the team to be able to get along like this, “he said.
Miller’s withdrawal adds to the two ninth positions he earned in Qatar, which adds pressure to the good start of the season by his teammate Pecco Bagnaia and Johann Zarco.
“I feel as comfortable on the bike as I did last year. We have had three races that have not been the best. I know I can do better. We all want to win and be at the front. I have been in worse situations in my career and I have come out of them So we’re working hard and I’m very lucky to have my team supporting me and advising me. I know I haven’t made it easy for myself, but things will change.”
Additional reporting by Vincent Lalanne-Sicaud
