Freak visor mishap has Miller blindsided

AUSSIE Jack Miller was a victim of a strange mishap that forced him out of the Emilia Romagna Motogp race at Misano.

Miller’s Ducati sucked up a discarded helmet visor film into the engine and it covered the air filter, forcing his retirement from the race won by Yamaha rider Maverick Vinales.

Miller posted a photo of the tear-off film on social media, identifying it as Fabio Quartararo’s film because of the No.20 on the side.

“Fabio Quartararo, I found something of yours,’’ Miller joked. “Unfortunately on lap two my bike managed to suck in a tear-off that was covering the air filter. Sometimes racing can be a cruel game. Thanks to my boys for always working there (their) butts off.’’

Miller had led through the opening few corners of the race after jumping off the line from second position.

But his pace dropped rapidly and he was seventh when he returned to the pits after seven laps.

Miller’s Pramac teammate Pecco Bagnaia looked set for a maiden victory until sliding out with seven laps to go. Vinales held his nerve and claimed his first win since Malaysia last November.

The fast-finishing Joan Mir was second on the factory Suzuki ahead of KTM’S Pol Espargaro. Ducati rider Andrea Dovizioso retained the championship lead even though he finished eighth.

Just four points cover the top four with Dovizioso on 84 points, from Quartararo and Vinales (83) and Mir (80).

Miller has now dropped back to sixth place on the ladder with 64 points.