During the opening practice session of the MotoGP weekend at Misano, Jack Miller encountered significant difficulties finding pace on the track. The Australian rider, currently competing with Yamaha and preparing for his switch to Pramac Racing in 2026, struggled to produce a standout lap time, casting doubt on his competitiveness amidst fierce competition. The efforts to extract maximum performance from his Yamaha YZR-M1 fell short on a circuit known for its typically high grip.
Miller Reflects on Bike Performance and Lap Consistency
Despite showing some respectable speed, Miller expressed frustration over not hitting his ideal lap during the session. He noted that while the pace was present, the bike’s overall performance still required improvements. Miller acknowledged the prospect of facing the additional challenge of starting from Q1, revealing a mix of optimism and realism about his current situation on the track.
“I Couldn’t Nail the Perfect Lap!” —Jack Miller, MotoGP Rider
“It was okay; the speed was there, but I couldn’t nail the perfect lap,” —Jack Miller, MotoGP Rider
“We should be a bit faster, but we need to improve the bike. The speed was satisfactory, but unfortunately, we will have to go through Q1,” —Jack Miller, MotoGP Rider
Tire Performance Adds Complexity, But Miller Maintains Confidence
While tire challenges affected several riders—including Fabio Quartararo, who highlighted the difficulties managing the difference between soft and medium compounds—Miller seemed less troubled by these issues. He pointed out that each tire demands careful adaptation and that his experience with the soft tires at Misano has been progressively improving, which remains a positive sign as sessions continue.
“Every tire has its own character; it’s tough. Unlike Fabio, I didn’t really have problems with the tires. The softs are adapting more and more to the track,” —Jack Miller, MotoGP Rider
Augusto Fernandez’s Yamaha V4 Prototype Debut and Regulatory Limits
Beyond Miller’s efforts, Augusto Fernandez attracted attention by testing Yamaha’s new V4 prototype for the first time in a Grand Prix environment. Miller applauded Fernandez’s performance, highlighting the promise shown by the emerging machine. However, technical regulations currently prevent the new M1 model from being used by primary Yamaha riders this season, postponing any potential competitive advantage until 2026.
“Augusto is doing well. It’s quite promising.” —Jack Miller, MotoGP Rider
Looking Ahead to the Grand Prix of San Marino
As the Misano weekend progresses, questions remain about whether Jack Miller can overcome the current limitations of his bike to achieve the perfect lap. With the clock ticking and competition intensifying, both Miller and Yamaha face pressure to enhance performance before the crucial race sessions. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if adjustments can deliver a turnaround or if the struggle will continue.
