There will not have been two victories in a row for Jack Miller at Le Mans. Qualified in second position on the grid, the Australian driver had a solid race but was unable to do anything against the pace set initially by his teammate Pecco Bagnaia, then by an unleashed Enea Bastianini during the second part of the race. race.
The Ducati rider looked back on his performance during the post-race press conference, and we transcribe his entire remarks here.
Jack, you delivered a solid performance here in France, with a second place in qualifying and a second place finish in the race. Can you tell us how it went for you this afternoon?
“I must have raised some questions at Michelin when I left with the medium at the front. But I had a good feeling with this compound, and that was part of my strategy, especially after the warm-up. I had certainly crashed twice with this compound, but I also had a good understanding of where I could attack with it and where I couldn't. In the race I simply tried to set my pace. I had a dream start, but when I reached the first corner it was a bit tricky. Afterwards, as I said, I simply tried to do my race. When Álex Rins hit the first chicane I didn't really understand what was happening. I was just negotiating the chicane and changing direction when I suddenly saw a Suzuki appear. I thank Álex because I really saw him struggle to fall in a way where it wasn't going to compromise safety. It was a good race, although I was not able to follow either Pecco Bagnaia or Enea Bastianini. I just managed to bring the machine back in one piece.
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What made the difference today between you and Enea?
« Enea is always very strong at the end of the race, he manages the tires perfectly, and today he led the perfect race in my opinion. He made no mistakes, even though at the very end of the race I saw him in a little difficulty at the front, particularly in turn 8. »
How do you explain the nightmarish ride that Pecco experienced on the 21st passage?
« Pecco had a very good race until his mistake, I let him escape because there was nothing else to do. He put together three good laps, but then I realized that he was in trouble on the right flank. It's a shame that he made a mistake in the last sector, because we had the possibility of signing a Ducati hat-trick, but it wasn't the day. »
Can you tell us what role this second place will play in your competition on and off the track with Enea Bastianini for the second handlebar within the official Ducati team?
« If we add up, so far Enea has already won three races this year, and he is doing an incredible job, and on top of that he is Italian. So there is no need to look any further. »
