Miller "gave up" on MotoGP title hopes after Le Mans
Jack Miller says his ninth in the Aragon Grand Prix didn't impact his MotoGP title hopes as he "already gave up that ghost" at Le Mans.
The Pramac Ducati rider struggled in the opening stages of Sunday's race for rear grip on his medium rear, but was anticipating to come on strong as the frontrunners suffered a drop with their soft rubber.
This never happened, however, and Miller could do no more than ninth having started from fifth.
But he says this result hasn't impacted his title challenge as he admits his "inevitable" engine-related retirement from the French GP the week before effectively ended his hopes.
"I already gave up that ghost last weekend," he said of his title aspirations.
"I mean, it was a long shot anyway, but all I'm going for now is trying to get myself back on that podium and try and get as many points towards the end of the season.
"I think that's the only realistic thing to do for us at this point in time.
"Definitely expected more from [the race]. When I saw the likes of [Alex] Marquez and the Suzukis, how much smoke was bellowing off the back of their bikes exiting Turn 10 and last corner, I thought we were on for a rostrum at least. But that wasn't to be.
"We'll see next weekend, we go to Valencia and then Portimao. Anything can happen as we've seen, eight riders now have won races now. Anything can happen."
Petrucci's race almost ended by Espargaro collision
Factory Ducati rider Danilo Petrucci says he "fell off" his bike in the latter stages after KTM's Pol Espargaro collided with him at Turn 5, which dropped him from 11th to the 15th at the chequered flag.
"Unfortunately with three laps to go, Espargaro hit me from the back and I just felt the touch," Petrucci explained. "I fell from the bike.
"Fortunately, I was able to get up on the bike, but I go straight on and I lost the position to him, Aleix [Espargaro], also [Iker] Lecuona.
"So, was not a day to remember, but losing three positions in one moment I'm not happy about that.
"[It happened] at Turn 5. In the corner before, Brad Binder passed me. I tried to cross his line but I just felt the bike of Pol touch my back and I fell from the bike. Fortunately, the run-off area was on asphalt and I was able to stay up at least."
Espargaro declined to comment on the incident having felt in previous days his comments about other riders have been twisted.
Related video
Previous article
Vinales: Yamaha "won't make weak points stronger" this year
Next article
Why Rins should have never been doubted
How Ducati has developed MotoGP's most versatile bike
His third place at Misano made Enea Bastianini the fifth different Ducati-mounted rider to score a podium in 2021. Amid a season that has seen one rider amass the bulk of Yamaha and Honda's success, the Ducati's versatility makes for a potent weapon, but the contribution of a former leading light shouldn't be forgotten
The next steps in the rebuilding of a stalled MotoGP career
Maverick Vinales’ early debut with Aprilia has been one of the most interesting plots of the recent MotoGP rounds. The results may not look standout on paper, but a closer inspection reveals just how much progress Vinales has truly made in understanding a bike that has taken him well out of his “comfort zone”.
Why Misano was a pivotal race for MotoGP's present and future
On a day each of the podium trio could claim to be the star of the show, the San Marino GP will be remembered as a pivotal race in both MotoGP's present and future. While Fabio Quartararo demonstrated his world title credentials just behind Francesco Bagnaia's flawless victory charge, a new threat emerged from the shadows
How Ducati's Aragon MotoGP win harks to its past and its future
Duelling against Marc Marquez at the Aragon Grand Prix, Francesco Bagnaia came out on top to secure a long overdue MotoGP victory. As Marquez likened Bagnaia to a Ducati title contender of old, it appears the Italian rider could finally start to fight for wins on a more regular basis
Why Dovizioso is more of a temporary fix than a Yamaha gamble
OPINION: The return of Andrea Dovizioso to the grid at Misano will be an interesting subplot to the remainder of the 2021 MotoGP season. But the circumstances that have led to the former Ducati rider ending his sabbatical point to his signing being one more of convenience than a long-term commitment
Why the British GP was a triumph for MotoGP
OPINION: The 2021 British Grand Prix was a historic day for MotoGP. At the centre of it was Aleix Espargaro on the Aprilia after securing its first podium in the modern MotoGP era. It was something of a full-circle moment that highlighted just how far MotoGP has come in the last decade
Why Silverstone should be regarded as MotoGP's rightful UK home
OPINION: Many of the UK’s MotoGP fans would prefer Donington Park to host the British GP beyond the expiry of Silverstone's current deal. But the track's fast, flowing circuit provides the best racing and should be regarded as its best bet for the foreseeable future
How Marc Marquez is facing his toughest challenge in MotoGP
The 2020 MotoGP season was an enthralling affair, but few would argue with you if you thought the world championship was a poorer place without Marc Marquez. In an exclusive interview, he explains the challenges he's faced in his comeback from injury and what he makes of the current MotoGP landscape.
