Miller scores stunning maiden MotoGP triumph

Jack Miller has taken a sensational maiden MotoGP victory in a chaotic rain-hit Dutch TT at Assen.

The race was run over just 12 laps after monsoon rain saw officials red flag the first attempt to complete the grand prix after 14 laps.

After a 30 minute break to allow the weather to pass, the race restarted with the grid set by the order when the encounter was stopped.

Starting from eighth on the grid on the restart, the 21-year-old Miller surged to fourth in the early laps held in tricky wet conditions.

The Marc VDS Honda continued to close on the lead group after second placed Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati) and leader Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) fell in quick succession.

Dovizioso had led from Danilo Petrucci and Rossi when the red flags were shown earlier in the afternoon.

Honda’s Marc Marquez assumed the lead but soon had Miller hot on his heels as the track began to dry.

With eight laps remaining Miller dived underneath Marquez for the lead before going on to complete a commanding ride to the chequered flag.

The Townsville rider’s surprise victory sees him become the first Australian to win MotoGP race since Casey Stoner’s triumph at the 2012 Australian Grand Prix.

He is also the first non factory rider to win since Toni Elias at the 2006 Portuguese Grand Prix for Gresini.

Marquez tried to apply pressure on the young Australian but in the end had to settle for second.

Pramac Ducati’s Scott Redding came through to claim the final place on the podium following a late pass on Pol Espargaro.

Redding, who finished fourth in the race’s first segment, fought back from falling to 11th at the start of the restart.

Espargaro finished fourth ahead of the Ducati’s Andrea Iannone and Avintia Ducati’s Hector Barbera.

Aspar Ducati’s Eugene Laverty produced an impressive ride to seventh, while Stefan Bradl, Maverick Vinales (Suzuki) and Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo completed the top 10.

Alvaro Bautista, Michele Pirro, Aleix Espargaro, Danilo Petrucci, Cal Crutchlow and Yonny Hernandez, who led much of the first 14 laps, joined the list of retirements.

Marquez has opened up a 24 point lead in the championship standings courtesy of his second place finish.

Miller, who earlier confirmed he will stay at Marc VDS Honda next season, has climbed to 13th spot.

The World Championship heads to Germany’s Sachsenring from July 15-17.

Result: MotoGP Assen TT

Championship Standings