Source: Supplied.

Johann Zarco (Monster Energy Yamaha Tech3) and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) have reflected on their high-speed incident at Phillip Island’s Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix yesterday, which forced the duo record DNFs in what was the 17th round of the series.

Zarco made contact with Marquez’s rear wheel in the opening laps down the main straight while travelling at approximately 280km/h, resulting in the number five falling viciously as champion Marquez managed to remain upright, severely damaging his RC213V in the process.

Despite the horrific fall, Zarco came out of the incident unscathed and was left rather disappointed – yet grateful – in what was looking like a promising weekend for the KTM-bound talent.

“After a few laps, I was still feeling pretty good, I got the slipstream of Jack Miller and Marc Marquez was also there,” Zarco explained. “We were going so fast and when we were braking for corner one, I touched the rear wheel of Marc and totally flew away.

“I had a big crash, but I’m okay, which is the most important thing, as that crash was really fast. It’s a shame about the race, because finish the race would have been important for the independent riders’ championship, but I didn’t. The crash was big and I am sorry that Marc could not finish the race.”

Marquez, who clinched the title in Japan one week earlier, declared it was simply a racing incident after reviewing the footage, expressing his thankfulness in that the outcome wasn’t of greater seriousness.

“At first I didn’t understand exactly what had happened, but I was angry because I felt the contact from the rear,” Marquez commented. “I couldn’t continue the race because my seat was broken and moving around. It was impossible to ride. When I arrived in the garage and saw the video, I understood. It was just a race incident because at that point of the track, we arrive really fast, over 300km/h.

“I was behind Jack Miller when I braked even a bit later than usual, and then I felt the impact. Zarco had taken the slipstreams from the two of us. You may think he could have considered that, but for me it’s just a race incident and I already spoke with him. What I can say is that today I feel really lucky, and the most important thing for me is that both me and Johann are okay.”

The pair will return to action this weekend at Sepang for the penultimate round of the 2018 MotoGP World Championship.