For years, Jack Miller has always managed to bounce back. Honda, Ducati, KTM, then Yamaha: the Australian has consistently found a new opportunity to extend his MotoGP career. This time, the situation seems different. Not only is his seat at Pramac Yamaha disappearing at the end of the season, but his Plan B in WorldSBK is also becoming more complicated. And Yamaha has just sent him a particularly clear first message.
The departure of Jack Miller de Pramac There is now little doubt about it. The arrival of the new generation of pilots, led in particular by Izan Guevara, obliged Yamaha to renew its staff. To 31 years, Miller He also pays a sporting reality: despite his experience and valuable role in the development of the M1, his results are no longer sufficient to justify a place in MotoGP.
For several weeks, his future seemed already mapped out: a move to the Superbike World Championship. The problem is that Yamaha She's in no hurry… The scenario seemed ideal, though. Staying in the family Yamaha while joining WorldSBK. But Niccolò Canepa, sports director of Yamaha has just cooled this hypothesis.
« We do indeed have a handlebar available for 2027.We haven't signed anyone yet. But we are very pleased with Xavi Verge And we're discussing with him how to continue the adventure. Honestly, I don't think there are many drivers currently available who can do better than him. »
A diplomatic statement… but one heavy with meaning. In other words, Miller stability is not considered a priority. Yamaha prioritizes stability.
Le discours de Canepa confirms the one held a few weeks earlier by Andrea DosoliThe objective of Yamaha The remaining task is to preserve the current framework. Andrea Locatelli is already extended. Remy gardner also. Stefano Manzi is part of the project. And Xavi Virgo has an option that Yamaha can be activated until September. In other words, if Miller hoped to quickly find a place at Yamaha He now discovers that he will probably have to wait… or look elsewhere.
Jack Miller will have to revise his demands
According to several reports from the paddock, Jack Miller does indeed wish to stay at Yamaha The problem now appears to be economic. His MotoGP salary is obviously nothing like the standards of WorldSBK.
If he wishes to continue his career on a Yamaha The Australian will likely have to accept a significant drop in income. This is a typical situation for a driver leaving Formula 1, but it always complicates negotiations.
Si Yamaha If the situation is delayed, two manufacturers could take advantage of it. BMW will have to replace Danilo Petrucci. Honda could strengthen its project if its Superbike program continues to grow.
These two manufacturers potentially have the financial resources to attract a driver of the caliber of MillerHis development experience is, moreover, a major asset for teams undergoing reconstruction.
The case Miller This perfectly illustrates an unprecedented phenomenon. Never before have so many experienced MotoGP riders found themselves simultaneously without a ride. Brad Binder. Franco Morbidelli. Alex Rins. Jack Miller. And, to a lesser extent, Maverick VinalesThey are all now exploring the same possibilities. As a result, even WorldSBK is becoming extremely competitive.
Unlike some pilots who seem to be nearing retirement, Jack Miller He continues to display undiminished motivation. He still wants to race. The question is therefore no longer whether he will continue his career, but where.
Le MotoGPBarring a major surprise, it now seems closed. WorldSBK remains the most logical destination. However, an official team will still need to agree to let him in. Because after discovering that Pramac I no longer counted on him. Jack Miller is now faced with a second reality: even his plan B is no longer guaranteed.
