Australian rider Jack Miller is preparing to make a striking return to the Suzuka 8 Hours motorcycle endurance race this weekend, joining Yamaha’s elite team alongside World Superbike winner Andrea Locatelli and four-time Suzuka champion Katsuyuki Nakasuga. Swapping his usual Pramac Yamaha MotoGP bike for the Yamaha R1 Superbike during the MotoGP summer break, Miller aims to target the factory Honda team, who have dominated the last three editions with fellow MotoGP star Johann Zarco among their ranks.
Having last competed at Suzuka seven years ago on a Honda machine, Miller is eager to claim victory this time and end Honda’s recent supremacy in his highly anticipated second appearance at this legendary event.
Miller’s Insights on Handling Intense On-Track Traffic
Miller described the Suzuka 8 Hours as a demanding race filled with heavy traffic, requiring skillful navigation through many competitors each lap.
“Having the experience of being there once, you know what to prepare for: a lot of traffic, a lot of slicing and dicing,”
he said.
“You’re dealing with up to 15 riders a lap sometimes – some laps more, some less. You’re slicing and dicing through the whole race. You’re just trying to keep that average lap time to a reasonable number.”
To prepare, Miller and his Yamaha teammates conducted an intensive two-day test at Suzuka, allowing them to focus fully on mastering the R1 Superbike. He emphasized the positive team dynamic, noting,
“It’s always different working with guys rather than working against guys. It was really cool to share the box with Andrea and Nakasuga as well. I think we’re in good shape.”
Challenges of Racing in Darkness at Suzuka
The Suzuka 8 Hours is well known for its night finish, which contrasts with the more brightly lit MotoGP Qatar night race. Miller pointed out the unique difficulties posed by the reduced lighting, relying heavily on the bike’s headlights while riding at speed.
“When you open the gas, the headlights are in the air. When you grab the brakes, the headlights are on the front wheel,”
he explained.
“You’re basically riding on feel because you can’t see anything.”
Despite this, Miller appreciates the special atmosphere created by the nighttime environment, adding,
“To finish under the lights… riding around seeing all the glowsticks with different brand colours – it just creates a whole different atmosphere.”
Endurance Demands and Teamwork Under Harsh Conditions
The physical toll of racing in Japan’s intense heat and humidity is another major challenge identified by Miller. With temperatures reaching 37–38 degrees Celsius and humidity near 90 percent, riders lose significant weight through sweat during the race.
“You’re sweating profusely. You try to smash protein, carbs, and get your mineral salts back in because cramping can be a nightmare. It’s a tricky one,”
he said.
Miller also stressed the importance of strategic teamwork throughout the event. Riders must balance pacing, tyre management, fuel usage, and communication with the pit crew to succeed.
“Endurance is a whole different kettle of fish compared to sprint racing. It’s all about pacing yourself and managing the riders around you. I’m working a lot on pit stops and understanding fuel lights, and what we need to be seeing on the big light-up pit board. It’s extremely important,”
he noted.
Miller Encourages More MotoGP Stars to Join Suzuka 8 Hours
Looking ahead, Miller expressed hope that more current MotoGP competitors would participate in the Suzuka 8 Hours. Speaking about the possibility, he declared,
“I think it should be back in the contract negotiations, for sure.”
Miller believes reintroducing this classic endurance race into MotoGP riders’ calendars would benefit the sport and create exciting opportunities for talent to compete in varied disciplines.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where is Jack Miller in 2025?
A. Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is happy to share their initial news about the 2025 Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race team. MotoGP star Jack Miller will compete again in the FIM Endurance World Championship with the Yamaha Racing Team after an eight-year break.
Q. Where will Jack Miller go in 2025?
A. Jack Miller will be part of the Factory Yamaha Racing Team at the 2025 Suzuka 8 Hours, according to Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
