Australian MotoGP contender Jack Miller has apologised for wiping out LCR Honda teammate Cal Crutchlow in the British MotoGP, but insists he had the pace to challenge the leaders.
The 20-year-old had a solid start in soaking conditions at Silverstone on Sunday, rocketing from 16th on the grid to fifth by the third lap.
But Miller’s race collapsed when he got “a little squirrely” on the brakes in the braking zone, ploughing into Crutchlow and sending both bikes off course.
“I have to say sorry to Cal, because I didn’t want to do that to him,” Miller said.
“We’re learning bit by bit, as I did when I went into Moto3.
“I was the first one to crash out of races there too. I learned a lot today, and we have to look at it as a positive.”
Miller admitted his Honda team boss Lucio Cecchinello wasn’t happy two of his riders had conceded top-five positions, and was confident he could have sustained his pace to challenge Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo, who finished fourth.
“I felt really comfortable where I was, and I could have run that pace for the whole race,” said the MotoGP rookie from Townsville, who was handed his first penalty point of the season.
“I was riding within my limit. I thought I was faster than the group I was in.
Jorge in particular didn’t have the pace, at that point he was a little slower than the other guys.
Crutchlow handled the unfortunate exit with good grace despite saying he had felt “untouchable” before Miller collected him.
“I wasn’t angry, just disappointed,” Crutchlow said.
“I wasn’t angry with Jack though – it was a racing incident and I’ve done it before, and I’m sure I’ll do it again.”