Arthur Sissis led Jack Miller in the early laps in the Moto3 race at Assen. Image: MotoGP.com.

Australia’s Jack Miller and Arthur Sissis found themselves going head-to-head in a heated battle at the Assen TT, relishing the close racing but admitting it meant they lost touch with the leading group of Moto3 riders.

Caretta Technology FTG Honda man Miller completed the first lap in front, before the Red Bull KTM Ajo machine of Sissis slipped past.

Sissis held the advantage for a further two laps before Miller made the move back on lap four, slotting into seventh.

Miller maintained a narrow advantage over his countryman but was forced to the defensive, allowing the top six to build a gap that they could not bridge.

“The bike was really good for the first eight laps and I had a good start but I got stuck behind Arthur for a few laps and we lost touch with the leaders,” said Miller.

“I destroyed the tyres after ten laps, and I was losing the front all over the place. There was another good battle with Sissis at the end, and I managed to fight him off. I’m pretty happy.”

Sissis enjoyed the race-long battle and credited Miller for his strong showing.

“I got a nice start and was up with the front guys in the early laps,” said Sissis. “I was not able to stay with them because Jack and I tussled too much and they escaped.

“Our battle lasted to the end, when I tried to overtake him on the final braking point, but he was very strong and I could not beat him today.

“Finishing eighth after so many bad weekends is a step forward. I am very happy with the work we have done and hope we can continue this way.”

Miller and Sissis finished seventh and eighth respectively, separated by less than two-tenths of a second after 22 laps.

Miller is 10th on the Moto3 standings after seven rounds, with Sissis improving to 11th.