Let's Talk MotoGP: Jack Miller Narrowly Saved, But How Long?

While the official announcement has not yet been made at the time of writing, we know for sure that Jack Miller is expected to be retained by Pramac Yamaha next season; once again, he is saved, but for how long? Analysis.

 

In suspended

 

I'll tell you right away: I'm not a big fan of this extension. Jack Miller has been on probation for several years now, but is saved each time, in the final moments of the transfer window. After his failed stint at KTM, I didn't see him bouncing back, and it's clear that it's been very difficult for the Australian this season. Yet Yamaha is counting on him. But why?

 

 

Two reasons come to mind. The first, and this is not the first time I've mentioned it, is linked to his nationality. We know that Australia is a big market, and that a Grand Prix MotoGP is disputed. A bit like Thailand for Chantra and Brazil for Moreira, this choice is undoubtedly also motivated by a desire to remain present in countries important for the motorcycling ecosystem. Given that it is very difficult to justify this extension with the results – which we will discuss later –, I necessarily rely on this argumentReliable sources claim that DORNA has the ability to influence the transfer market, and, quite frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if the highest authorities had a say in this particular case.

However, there is a second argument, raised by Fabio Quartararo, who, moreover, is satisfied with this decisionThe Frenchman claims that Miller, with his experience with V4 engines, could be a cornerstone of the project. It is true that Miller has experienced different V4s, namely Honda, Ducati, and KTM engines. Miguel Oliveira, on the other hand, has one less on the clock, which could have an influence on this. But let me tell you, I'm far from convinced.

First, because I am personally convinced that the influence of engine architecture is largely overestimated in MotoGP. Listening to Fabio Quartararo, one might think that the V4 will change everything, that it will be a revolution. But inline four-cylinder engines have also had very good results in MotoGP, recently moreover. In 2022, an already declining Alex Rins still managed to impose the Suzuki GSX-RR in MotoGP against the excellent Ducati Desmosedici. And then, Honda, faithful to the V4 for a very long time, did it not completely sink with this engine architecture between 2019 and 2024? In short, I don't expect a miraculous change based on the engine alone..

The proof is that many pilots have gone from one to the other, and it is very difficult to find meaning in their trajectory. Look Alex Rins, the most telling exampleHe won at Suzuki at the end of 2022, after spending six seasons there. Then, at Honda, on a V4 bike known to be difficult, he won after three races, before getting injured. Returning to Yamaha, on a four in line, therefore, he hasn't done anything for two years.

 

 

Then, I don't think Miller's experiment is that significant.. Yes, he rode three V4s compared to two for Oliveira. But the Honda engine, he had it between his legs from 2015 to 2017, almost 10 years ago; allow me to doubt the relevance of this feedback. Moreover, he did not, a priori, play a significant role in Ducati's progress over the 2018-2022 period, and KTM did not progress either during his time there. In fact, he even regressed within the Mattighofen firm, which proves that he is perhaps not the providential adjuster who can give direction to the technical department. These are only suppositions, of course.

To conclude this section, let's say that it's difficult to convince oneself of the arguments put forward justifying Miller's extension. This is a conservative signing, aimed at not changing the entire squad at once – taking into account the arrival of Toprak. But, in my opinion, it's too cautious.

 

Disappointing results

 

Like many, I was quite surprised by some of Miller's races this season. We know he can shine once or twice a year, but his chronic irregularity does not leave him alone. Moreover, when he's not shining, he's completely absent. In 2025, he already has six blank results in fourteen races, and, ultimately, his only good moments come down to a fifth place in the United States, an impressive qualifying session in Thailand, and a decent weekend at Silverstone – which is, incidentally, his only entry into the points in Sprint. It's not much, too little. You might think he'll improve, since he's only been here for half a season. It's possible, but it's also possible that he'll regress without the slightest explanation, as was the case at KTM where he was never as good as in the first seven races contested with the RC16.

Yamaha was spoiled for choice, and while one can understand this conservative strategy, It kills me to see that Manuel Gonzalez, Aron Canet and other Moto2 stars are not being offered any handlebars.Yes, that would mean two rookies on the same team, but don't you have to take risks to succeed? Is it with Jack Miller that Yamaha intends to take a step forward, whether in development or on the track? I don't think so. And I'll go even further: I think it's a mistake.

Do you share my opinion on "Jackass"? Do you really think its extension will be beneficial for Yamaha? Tell me everything in the comments!

As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport