Jack Miller determined to race in Oz despite broken leg

Australian MotoGP star Jack Miller is the latest high-profile racer to be injured in a training accident, breaking his right leg in a trials incident. The injury will force him out of the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix (October 13-15).

According to a statement released by his Estrella Galicia Marc VDS team, the 22-year-old put his right foot down to save a slow speed front-end crash which caused his tibia to fracture at the top.

Miller, who underwent immediate surgery at Barcelona, described the incident as both frustrating and disappointing

“Nine times out of 10 that would have been the end of the story, especially at such a low speed, but this time I must have caught my foot on something and ended up fracturing my right tibia close to the knee,” he said.

“The injury has been stabilised with a plate and screws and I already have some movement, but it's clear that I won't be fit for Motegi.”

The Aussie says he wants to line up at his home grand prix at Phillip Island from October 20-22 – the last time he’ll race at home in Marc VDS colours before making the switch to Pramac Ducati for the 2018 season.

BUY TICKETS FOR 2017 MICHELIN AUSTRALIAN MOTORCYCLE GRAND PRIX

“I am determined to be back on the bike at Phillip Island and that’s what I’ll be working towards now with the physiotherapist.”

Marc VDS Team Principal Michael Bartholemy said the injury and the timing is extremely unfortunate given the nature of the incident, saying “it was just bad luck.”

“Jack is adamant that he will miss only next weekend's Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi. His aim is to be back on the bike for his home race at Phillip Island and the prognosis is good,” he said.

“We will make a decision on whether he is fit to ride in Phillip Island immediately after the Japanese Grand Prix.” Fingers crossed!