Image: Supplied.

LCR Honda Castrol’s Alex Marquez has moved to apologise to Jack Miller after causing that heavy collision which brought a premature end to both riders’ Australian MotoGP.

While attempting to make ground into Miller Corner, Marquez misjudged the entry and collected Miller in what was a crushing impact on lap nine.

With both riders brought down and out of front-running contention, Marquez quickly went to the aid of Miller trackside and was later seen apologising to the Australian in the pits.

“The first thing I want to say is sorry to Jack because I hit him,” said Marquez. “I locked the rear. It was my mistake. We can say that this is racing and these things can happen, but I’m really sorry for him and all his team.

“Especially being his home GP. Apart from that, we had a really positive weekend overall and it was a shame about the crash in the race because I was feeling really good in the group, trying to fight and go forward as I had the pace to do a really good job. But we have a new opportunity next week and I will try hard to be on the pace again.”

Shortly after the race, Marquez was handed a long-lap penalty for the collision, which is to be served at the upcoming Malaysian GP. Despite the heartbreak, Miller handled the incident with integrity and stated that he was physically ‘alright’.