Miller scores “super” podium as victorious Bagnaia reclaims points lead

Jack Miller made a second podium appearance in as many days, while Francesco Bagnaia took out a special Spanish Grand Prix.

The two KTMs of Brad Binder and Miller did their best, but could not repel Bagnaia’s late-race charge as the Ducati #1 retook the championship lead in a thriller.

Helping the reigning champion’s cause was Marco Bezzecchi, who crashed out of the race and saw his three-point lead turn into a 22-point deficit.

More than 80,000 fans were treated to a thrilling battle with long-time leader Binder throwing everything at Bagnaia, who held firm in a last-lap showdown.

Their battle went down to the final corner with the difference just 0.221s over the line, while Miller scored a fighting third having led early in a race that featured retirements and a red flag.

The Aussie was delighted with the double podium weekend, believing he and KTM are already proving doubters wrong.

“I had to work for that one, it was a long race,” Miller said.

“With the red flag you had to regroup, but we got a good start. I suffered a bit mid race as I assume most of the boys were with the right hand edge on the front tyre.

“Brad and Francesco rode awesome and I am super happy to be on the podium for KTM.

“A lot of people doubted us, but we are here already and hopefully we can stay.”

Miller enjoyed a dream start when the crazy race began, leading another KTM 1-2 with Binder in his wake.

The Australian only led the field until Dani Pedrosa Corner where Binder retook the lead at his favourite passing spot.

But they were stopped in their tracks with the second first-lap red flag of the weekend following a scary Turn 2 crash between Fabio Quartararo and Miguel Oliveira.

Bezzecchi, Quartararo and Oliveira went into Turn 2 three wide and the squeeze forced the latter two off into the gravel. The 2021 MotoGP champion was stuck in the middle and fell off his #20 Yamaha and took Oliveira with him.

Both riders flew into the gravel at high speed and required medical attention, but thankfully both were both conscious with Oliveira suffering a dislocated left shoulder.

Quartararo was able to return for the restart, but received a contentious long-lap penalty moments before the warm-up lap.

For the fourth start of the weekend it was a KTM 1-2 into the first corner with Binder storming around the outside of Miller and Martin.

Bagnaia made a smart move on Martin to take third, while his championship rival Bezzecchi dropped from 13th to 16th.

COTA winner Alex Rins crashed back down to earth with a first-lap crash on his LCR Honda.

Miller slipped down the inside of Binder at the final corner to take control at the end of the second lap as the two KTMs gapped Bagnaia.

Two laps later Binder retuned serve with a mirroring move as the #1 Ducati regained ground being the fastest bike on track.

Bagnaia made an aggressive move at Pedrosa Corner, hitting Miller mid corner to steal second.

Despite reigning world champion apologising to his former teammate, the Aussie was not afraid to vent his frustration and lost third to Martin a lap later.

An angry Miller launched a bold dive for third, sliding his way by Martin at the final corner, but not without forcing the Spaniard wide and behind Aleix Espargaro.

The #43 KTM was soon promoted to second as officials forced Bagnaia to hand the place back to the Aussie for his earlier move, which allowed Binder to enjoy almost a second lead.

Having disposed of Bagnaia, Miller turned his attention to Binder and hunted down his teammate with strong mid-race pace.

Although the Aussie cut half a second out of the South African’s lead, #33 did enough to keep the Aussie at arm’s length.

Two mistakes at the back end of Lap 15 saw Miller lose second to Bagnaia and become under threat by Martin. The sister Pramac Ducati of Johann Zarco lost the front end at high speed, while Bezzecchi also crashed out by getting Pedrosa Corner all wrong.

With five laps to go Bagnaia closed to the back wheel of Binder to set up a tense finish.

On Lap 21 the Ducati’s pressure became too much, with a mistake through Turns 8 and 9 allowed the #1 to take P1 from Binder at the final corner.

The South African made a valiant attempt to retake the lead at the last corner of the race, but Bagnaia proved too strong.

The long list of retirements featured Oliveira, Mir, Alex Rins, Bezzecchi and Zarco, who all crashed, while Maverick Vinales lost his chain on the final lap. 

MotoGP returns to Le Mans for the 1000th Grand Prix on May 12-14.

2023 Spanish Grand Prix top 10

MotoGP World Championship standings after round 4

1 Francesco Bagnaia 87 points

2 Marco Bezzecchi 65

3 Brad Binder 62

4 Jack Miller 49

5 Maverick Vinales 48

For more of the latest motorsport news, pick up the latest issue of AUTO ACTION.

AUTO ACTION, Australia’s independent voice of motorsport