Miller stands by controversial comments for the “health” of MotoGP
Jack Miller caused a stir after the German Grand Prix and has stood by his comments as the historic Dutch TT awaits this weekend.
Miller created a storm following his P6 finish at the Sachsenring when he asked rivals to “get on with the job” among other things.
Whilst the Australian KTM rider did not mention anyone directly, many believed they could have been directed at Marc Marquez, who is continuously crashing his Repsol Honda and withdrew from the German race.
Speaking on the Thursday prior to the Dutch TT in Assen, Miller doubled down on his remarks and explained they were aimed at a “magnitude of riders” to improve the “health of the championship”.
“The reaction is a lot of clickbait and bullshit,” he said.
“At the end of the day, I just want the health of the championship to be better and guys to get on with their job.
Marc Marquez and Jack Miller race side by side in France. Image: Gold and Goose / Red Bull Content Pool
“I was asked a following question after what I had said in my statement about a mob of riders, because it’s not only Marc.
“But then everybody wants to say that I said it about Marc. I said it also about Marc, but I said it about a magnitude of riders because it’s a lot at the moment.
“I understand he is having a difficult moment, and I understand that it’s not easy.
“But for the health of the sport and the manufacturers, nobody wants to hear that all the time.”
Miller enters the scene of his first ever MotoGP triumph for underdog Marc VDS Racing in 2016 seventh in the 2023 standings after a Sprint podium and P6 in Sunday in Germany.
Meanwhile Marquez is hoping to get his first Grand Prix finish of the entire season having been plagued by injury and crashes all year.
The six-time MotoGP world champion has not been afraid to show his displeasure on the current state of his Repsol Honda bike, while rumours have been flying that a divorce of the once unbeatable combination is likely.
Whilst not responding directly to Miller’s comments, Marquez did clarify his future beyond 2023.
Jack Miller and Marc Marquez embrace at the Dutch TT press conference. Image by Gold and Goose / LAT Images
The #93 rider made it clear he will continue to put “maximum commitment” into the Repsol Honda project to ensure the current pain is not experienced in the future.
“If I’m here, it is because my commitment with Honda is maximum and I want to work with them to improve for the future and our project,” Marquez said.
“I’m here to work with them and as I see it, to work with them for the future means (for) next year’s project.
“This year won’t change much, so the commitment is maximum.”
The 2023 Dutch TT kicks off at Assen tonight with Practice at 18.45 AEST.
Qualifying and the Sprint will be held at 18.50 and 23.00 respectively, while lights on in the Grand Prix is at 22.00 Sunday night.
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