Jakarta – Alex Marquez believes he was the catalyst for Jack Miller’s shattered MotoGP podium dreams in the 2022 Australian race. As a result, the LCR Honda rider immediately apologized.
On the Phillip Island circuit, Alex started from 11th position and continued to show progress by racing up to seventh place. However, on lap nine, Alex made a fatal error.
As quoted by SpeedWeek on Monday, Alex collided with Miller, who was attempting to brake but lost control at Turn 4. In the same situation, Alex accelerated and unintentionally hit the back of Miller’s motorcycle, sending both off the track.
This incident subsequently affected Miller’s lap times, as he was attempting to secure a podium finish in front of his home crowd. After the race, Alex apologized to Miller for spoiling the host’s victory.
“Unfortunately, it (the collision) happened on lap eight. First of all, I want to apologize to Jack (Miller) because I ruined his home Grand Prix,” said Alex Marquez, as cited by SpeedWeek.
“I know he’s angry, and he has every right to be. I made a mistake entering the corner,” Alex continued.
The younger brother of Marc Marquez explained that he was very cautious while braking for the corner. However, in reality, he had already lost control.
“When I touched the brakes a little, my rear wheel locked. I released the brakes a bit too quickly. I apologize to Miller and his team, and also to my own team,” Alex explained.
Aware of his mistake, Alex also tried to apologize directly to the Ducati paddock after the incident. However, Marquez mentioned that Miller was still upset.
After the race, the FIM MotoGP Stewards panel, consisting of Freddie Spencer, Andres Somorilnos, and Ralph Bohnhorst, discussed the penalty to be imposed.
As a consequence of the incident, Alex faced a long-lap penalty in the Malaysian MotoGP race held on Sunday, October 23rd.