Image: Supplied.

Another convincing display from Ducati Lenovo Team’s Jack Miller saw the Desmosedici rider lead numerous laps at Buriram en route to a P2 finish, admitting that he was struggling in the last sector to match race-winner Miguel Oliveira.

While rainfall was predicted for much of the Thailand Grand Prix weekend, it wasn’t until the sighting laps before the race that the MotoGP riders got to sample the Chang International Circuit in wet weather.

Miller was one of the best to adapt to the conditions, taking the lead by lap four as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Oliveira continued his charge towards the front.

Oliveira was within striking distance of the Australian by lap seven and it was soon clear that the Portuguese rider’s strong point was through turns 10 and 11, with his speed through the section setting him up to make a pass on Miller into the final turn.

The number 88 made his move stick on lap 14 but Miller kept the pressure on until the end, ultimately missing out on victory by just 0.730s.

“With these conditions, the race felt really long, and in addition to managing my pace, I also had to be very careful not to make any mistakes,” Miller explained after round 17.

“When Oliveira passed me, I kept pushing hard to catch and pass him. I wanted to try on the last lap, but I made a small mistake with four corners to go, and he was really strong in the last sector.

“Anyway, I am happy to be on the podium again: the bike is working better and better, and the team is doing an incredible job. In addition, Pecco [Francesco Bagnaia] is now only two points behind the leader in the standings, and the fight for the title is getting more and more open.

“It was a really good day for the whole team, and I would be thrilled if we could bring the title back to Bologna. Now I can’t wait to finally return home to race in front of my family in Phillip Island.”

The result in Thailand marked Miller’s seventh podium of the season as he is fifth in the world championship standings, 40 points from leader Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) who had a disastrous round 17 and finished P17.

Miller will get married this weekend before returning to action on home soil for the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island on 14-16 October.