The Pramac Yamaha MotoGP team has officially confirmed that Jack Miller will remain part of their lineup for the 2026 season, partnering with World Superbike star Toprak Razgatlioglu. After months of uncertainty and speculation over the team’s rider selection, Yamaha chose Miller over current teammate Miguel Oliveira to continue with them next year.
Miller’s 2026 MotoGP contract follows intense speculation fueled by his concerns over future prospects with the team. The Australian rider had indicated willingness to explore opportunities outside MotoGP if the manufacturer did not renew his deal. Meanwhile, BMW was reportedly interested in signing Miller to replace Razgatlioglu in its factory World Superbike squad.
The Decisive Factors Behind Miller’s Contract Extension
The agreement between Miller and Yamaha was finalized during the recent Hungarian Grand Prix and announced publicly afterward. At 30 years old, Miller brings extensive MotoGP experience having competed for Honda, Ducati, and KTM, which influenced Yamaha’s decision amid their strategic shift to V4 engine technology in 2026.
Miller expressed enthusiasm about the extension, highlighting the productive first season back with Pramac and his commitment to assisting Yamaha in improving the bike’s competitiveness. He stated,
“I’m really happy and excited to stay with Yamaha and the Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Team,”
emphasizing his eagerness to continue contributing to the team‘s progress.
“Most of all, I want to say a massive thank you to Yamaha, Pramac Racing, and to the two Paolos, Pavesio and Campinoti, for their continuous trust in my contribution to the project.”
—Jack Miller, Pramac Racing
Season Performance and Team Dynamics
Leading into the Catalan Grand Prix weekend, Miller holds 17th place in the rider standings, with a top finish of fifth achieved in Austin. His counterpart Oliveira trails in 23rd, having missed multiple races early in the season due to injury, and his highest race result this year is 12th place at Balaton Park.
The Portuguese rider joined Pramac on a one-plus-one contract, allowing Yamaha to reconsider his position after 2023 if performance targets were unmet. Oliveira’s inability to consistently meet those benchmarks, primarily affected by his injury setbacks, led to Yamaha’s decision to retain Miller instead.
Team Principal Comments on Rider Selections and Contributions
Paolo Campinoti, Pramac Racing’s team principal, reflected on the team’s composition changes, expressing strong support for Miller’s return while acknowledging Oliveira’s professionalism. He said,
“It’s no secret that I have great affection for Jack, a rider who experienced an important stage of his career growth with Pramac Racing and whose return this season was welcomed with great joy by everyone in the team.”
He further noted that Miller‘s input has been vital for Yamaha’s bike development, adding,
“His confirmation as official Yamaha rider with Prima Pramac Yamaha for 2026 is important and precious.”
Regarding Oliveira, Campinoti remarked,
“Managing a team sometimes requires difficult choices, and in this regard, I want to sincerely thank Miguel for the commitment and professionalism he has shown in these months, as well as the ease with which he integrated into our team. It was a pleasure having him on board and discovering not only a great professional but also a great person.”
Challenges Faced by Pramac Yamaha This Season
Since switching from Ducati to Yamaha during the off-season, Pramac Racing has struggled to find form and currently sits at the bottom of the team standings. They are 50 points behind their nearest competitor, LCR Honda, amid a year of transitional challenges with the Yamaha YZR-M1.
The team’s ongoing development efforts will rely heavily on Miller’s experience and input as Yamaha prepares to implement its new V4 engine configuration in 2026, an important technical evolution aimed at boosting competitiveness.
The Road Ahead for Jack Miller and Pramac Yamaha
With his 2026 MotoGP contract secured, Jack Miller’s future is now clear at Pramac Yamaha. His experience across multiple manufacturer teams and fighting spirit will be vital for Yamaha’s goal to close the performance gap with rivals. Partnering with Razgatlioglu, Pramac aims to regain momentum in the coming seasons as they adapt to new machinery and technical regulations.
Miller’s commitment signals a hopeful path forward, with anticipation that his continued development work and racing expertise will enhance the team’s results and stability within the highly competitive MotoGP field.
