Jack Miller officially sanctioned
Images by Andrew Northcott
The British Grand Prix ended in disappointing style for Jack Miller as he crashed out after making a superb start to the race at Silverstone. Having departed the grid in 16th position, the LCR Honda rider stormed through the field to be sitting in fourth spot on lap three.
However, after attempting a late braking manoeuvre heading into a corner, the flying Australian succeeded only in taking out his own team-mate Cal Crutchlow leading both riders to slide out. Miller was unable to rejoin meaning a frustrating end to what had been a promising weekend’s work, although he remained keen to take the positives.
At first glance of the footage it looked as Miller went in ludicrously late, but if studied more carefully it actually looks more like Jorge Lorenzo has pushed Crutchlow a little wide, opening up a gap, which Miller then dived for but that gap rapidly closed as Crutchlow came back on line entering the corner. It also appears that Miller looks likely to have made the corner successfully if contact was not made. However, it is the passing rider’s duty of care to pass safely. LCR Honda have indicated that the onboard data logging showed the Miller did not enter that particular corner markedly faster than on previous laps.
Jack Miller – DNF – “I’m happy with the weekend, but of course not happy with the result of the race. I want to say a big sorry to Cal for taking him out, but we were both pushing hard. I didn’t actually mean to overtake him, I was just trying to hold Espargaro off on the brakes and accidently went too deep and touched him. It was an accident, but all in all it was a good weekend as we found some settings with the bike we became more comfortable with and I’m looking forward to Misano. Misano is a good track for me, I like it a lot. It will be a new surface this year so I look forward to seeing what the grip level is like as last year was quite low, but it should be interesting.”
Cal Crutchlow was obviously unhappy at his hopes of challenging for victory at the British Grand Prix snatched away after a hugely encouraging opening to Sunday’s race at Silverstone. Having qualified eighth on the grid, the LCR Honda rider got away well in damp conditions and had effortlessly moved up into the podium positions by lap three.
However, finally poised to make a bid for success on a track that has never previously proved a happy hunting ground, the 29-year-old came together with charging team-mate Jack Miller who was late on the brakes going into a corner. Having crashed out, Crutchlow subsequently attempted to rejoin but was forced to admit defeat shortly afterwards, meaning a frustrating end to his weekend.
Cal Crutchlow – DNF – “Obviously I’m really disappointed, we could have done a great race today, I thought I had the pace to be with the winner. I felt really comfortable this morning in the rain and I felt really comfortable in the race, but these things happen. Jack is young, he was near to the front in a MotoGP race and made an ambitious move. He made a mistake, he apologised and I have accepted his apology. I’ve done it before and I’m sure I will do it again – this is racing, but obviously I was very disappointed. I came in and we changed the bike, but as soon as I went out of the pitlane I crashed immediately because it was a dry setting on that bike and there is a big, big difference. I was not really going to carry on too much as I was too far behind the leader at that point, but it was a good job by the LCR Honda team this weekend and I really appreciate all the fan support as they really helped us.”
Following the race a hearing was held in which one penalty point was added to Jack Miller’s record according to Article 3.2.1. of the FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Disciplinary and Arbitration Code. The official notice, as provided to Miller, is included below. Following the note is a sequence of images showing the incident unfold.
To: Mr. Jack Miller, Rider No. 43 of the MotoGP Class
Dear Sir,
According to Article 3.5.5 of the FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Regulations, we confirm our decision.
Motive
On 30 August, 2015 during the MotoGP Race of the Octo British Grand Prix, you collided with another rider, causing you both to crash.
This is considered to be irresponsible riding causing danger to other competitors and is therefore an infringement of Article 1.21.2 of the FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Regulations.
Convocation
You were requested to attend a hearing with the Race Direction. You attended the hearing and acknowledged the facts presented.
Decision
For the above motive, Race Direction has decided to impose on you the addition of 1 Penalty Point to your record, according to Article 3.2.1. of the FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Disciplinary and Arbitration Code.
