Pramac Ducati rider Jack Miller has described the end of the Grand Prix of Styria as being ‘like a qualifying session’ as he fought for victory with Pol Espargaro and Miguel Oliveira.
The Aussie racer pulled an expertly-judged switchback move on Espargaro as the factory KTM dived for the lead at Turn 9 on the final tour, but was denied the win by Oliveira as he and Espargaro held each other up.
Miller said: “The last 12 laps were like a a qualifying session. It went so quickly, and by the time I looked up we only had two to go.
“It was just a sprint race, kind of like the old Australian Championship. It reminded me of the old days.”
The Australian rider, who injured his shoulder in a crash FP3, was fully committed to the move on Espargaro as the riders entered the final corner..
He said: “I had to have a go. I mean, we’re all racers. I got past him and didn’t make contact – I just didn’t expect Oliveira to be there.
“That was the only main strange thing for me.”
Oliveira performed a double-overtake on both Miller and Espargaro on the run down to flag to take his first MotoGP win at the 900th Premier Class race.
Miller later praised the doctors and medics who helped him get back on his feet after suffering shoulder pain following a crash in Free Practice.
He said: “I just want to thank the doctors for getting me going because, to be honest, yesterday I couldn’t even barely ride the bike.”
The MotoGP circus now takes a two-weekend break before heading to the Misano World circuit for a double-header on the 13th and 20th September.
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