Australian rider makes it back-to-back wins after victory in Jerez.
Jack Miller overcame a double long-lap penalty and a late charge from Johann Zarco to secure victory at a flag-to-flag French GP at Le Mans and make it two wins from his last two races.
Starting from third on the grid, the Australian rider made a flying start and powered into the lead. But, when the rain suddenly began to fall, Miller received a penalty for speeding in the pit lane during his bike swap.
The Ducati rider quickly overcame the penalty and soon passed home hero Fabio Quartararo to retake the lead with 16 laps remaining.
However, there was a further twist when the sun began to shine and the track quickly dried up. Refusing to pit again and change to slicks, Miller was able to hang on and secure back-to-back victories, having also won two weeks ago at the Spanish GP in Jerez.
“When I saw the double long-lap I couldn’t believe it. But it’s an amazing feeling as I really didn’t expect back-to-back wins. I’ve doubled my career total (of wins) in two weeks so it’s pretty nice,” said Miller.
Quartararo, racing for the first time since having surgery on his right forearm, eventually had to settle for third place, with fellow Frenchman Johann Zarco taking second.
Taking part in just his third race since being sidelined for nine months through injury, Spain’s Marc Márquez briefly led the race – the first time since Valencia in 2019 – but the Honda rider’s lead would last just a few laps after being highsided at the final corner.
Marquez would rejoin in 18th, but later crashed out with 10 laps remaining, with his Repsol Honda team-mate Pol Espargaró finishing in eighth place.
Danilo Petrucci secured an impressive fifth place for KTM Tech3, while Álex Márquez took sixth, one place above his LCR Honda team-mate Takaaki Nakagami.
Spain’s Iker Lecuona was ninth on his KTM Tech3, Red Bull KTM Factory rider Brad Binder took 13th place, while team-mate Miguel Oliveira DNF after crashing out during the 12th lap, and Tito Rabat took 15th on his Pramac Ducati as he continues to deputise for injured rookie Jorge Martin.