Since he first joined the World Championship midway through the 2011 season, Jack Miller (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS) has been known for his ability in the wet. When the heavens opened before the MotoGP™ World Championship race in Assen, Miller knew he was in with a chance of a strong result. The race went from wet to dry to wet again, torrential rain hitting the TT Circuit Assen with 12 laps to go and bringing out the red flag. The grid formed for the restart, Miller lining up in eighth position thanks to his efforts in the first stage. Once more he shot forward, soon finding himself behind Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) and in a battle for the lead after a number of falls ahead.
Fans around the world were pulled to the edge of their seats as the colourful Australian slipped past Marquez at the end of lap three. With nothing to lose, Miller pushed to open up a gap which he maintained till the end. The rain on track couldn’t stop Miller from hoisting his front wheel into the air as he celebrated a sensational first victory in the premier class. An emotional victory speech followed, the Australian fighting back the tears, thanking Honda and Marc VDS for their support after a tough start to the year.
For the first time since Stoner’s last win at Phillip Island in 2012, the Australian national anthem played after a MotoGP™ race. Miller not only returned Australia to the top step of the podium but also became the first satellite rider to win a race since Toni Elias in Portgual in 2006. His victory was capped off with a ‘shoey’ on the podium, the Australia tradition of celebrating by drinking from one’s own shoe.
Jack Miller: “I don’t often say this but I’m lost for words. I feel incredibly emotional right now and it is hard to describe the sensation of winning for the first time in MotoGP. I felt confident and fast in the first part of the race but it was the right call to red flag it because the conditions were getting pretty dangerous. The track was really slippery for part two as well but I immediately felt comfortable. I could see a few riders making mistakes but I just kept my focus and concentrated on being fast and consistent without taking any silly risks.
“Once I passed Marc I just tried to block out the fact that I was heading for my first win and keep a clear mind. Coming out of the final chicane and seeing the chequered flag was just an unbelievable feeling. My family and I have made a lot of sacrifices to make today happen and it feels amazing. I can’t thank Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS enough. They have given me incredible support and never stopped believing in me. I must also thank Honda and their management for giving me this opportunity and allowing me to show what I can do at this level. It might take a while to sink in but I am going to enjoy tonight that’s for sure!”