Jack Miller has publicly declared his aim to become the leading Yamaha MotoGP rider by 2026, with a clear focus on solidifying his position as the team prepares for the 850cc engine era starting in 2027. Speaking at the Pramac team’s launch event on Tuesday night, Miller outlined both his immediate and long-term ambitions while returning from a winter break in Australia.
The Australian explained how his recent training and mindset have prepared him for the challenges ahead with Yamaha’s new V4 machine, highlighting his determination to maximize performance in the upcoming season.
Assessing the First Season: Challenges and Opportunities with Yamaha
In his first year riding Yamaha’s M1, Miller proved to be the second-best among the four Yamaha racers, although he ended the season eight places and 122 points behind the factory team leader and former world champion, Fabio Quartararo. Notably, Quartararo’s deep familiarity with the Inline M1, gained across seven MotoGP seasons, gave him an advantage over teammates.
With the transition from an Inline engine to a V4 for the 2024 season, Miller believes the field is more evenly matched than before. He emphasized the importance of understanding the new bike fully, revealing his goal:
“The target is, first of all is to understand where we are with the new bike. But the clear target for me at the moment is to try to be the best Yamaha. And if we do that we’ll be in good shape.”
This ambition is closely tied to his desire to remain part of Yamaha’s roster for the 2027 regulations overhaul, confirming,
“My goal is to stay with Yamaha and be on the grid in 2027 when the new regulations come into force,”
Building Momentum: The Importance of Continuity in a New Chapter
Miller’s experience spans race wins and podiums with Honda, Ducati, and KTM, all riding V4 machines. He believes that the cohesive team environment established last season will be crucial to his and the team’s success moving forward.
He expressed satisfaction with the ongoing collaboration within the squad, saying the mutual understanding and shared work ethic create a positive foundation:
“Kicking off a new season with the same crew feels good,”
“There‘s a lot to be said for continuity in this paddock and coming back into the garage knowing the people, the work ethic and the direction makes a big difference.”
Miller reflected on last year as a valuable learning period marked by both challenges and progress. He is motivated by the fresh start that the V4 bike represents:
“Last year was a proper learning year for me with Yamaha. We had some strong moments, worked through a few tough ones but ultimately built a solid base together. I genuinely enjoyed the challenge of adapting and figuring things out as the season went on.”
“Now with the V4 as our race bike for the season, it feels like a fresh chapter. It‘s an exciting project to be part of and there‘s a real sense of belief behind it.”
“I‘m proud to be continuing with Prima Pramac Yamaha and keen to see where we can take this thing.”
Preparing for the Season Ahead: Testing and Team Setup
Jack Miller will join his Yamaha teammates for the Sepang Shakedown test scheduled from January 29 to 31, where they will work alongside factory test riders as well as Honda’s rookie, Diogo Moreira. This session will be significant in refining the new V4 bike’s development before the competitive season begins.
Miller’s commitment and optimism suggest he is ready to take full advantage of testing opportunities, aiming to elevate his performance and secure his place among Yamaha’s top contenders in the years to come.
