Why the most significant Le Mans MotoGP performance wasn't Miller's

Hot on the heels of his first MotoGP win in five years, Jack Miller made it two from two with a commanding French Grand Prix victory at Le Mans despite two long-lap penalties. Impressive though it was, it was an expectation-defying performance from an anticipated title rival that was the real standout.

Updated May 17, 2021, 5:44 PM

Five years split Jack Miller’s first and second MotoGP victories. Having found redemption two weeks ago at Jerez following a poor start to life as a factory Ducati team rider in 2021, Miller only had to wait a fortnight for his third premier class win. Insert whatever lazy bus analogy you like here, but it’s clear the Australian is starting to unleash his true form.

For the first time in four years MotoGP witnessed a flag-to-flag race, as Sunday’s French Grand Prix started off dry before rain necessitated a bike swap in the early stages.

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Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary MotoGP reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers other motorcycle racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.