Andrea Dovizioso’s Yamaha deal could now create domino effect that ends with Jack Miller’s MotoGP exit

Add as preferred source on Google

Yamaha have confirmed that Andrea Dovizioso has signed a new three-year deal as the team’s test rider.

The MotoGP legend, who raced for Yamaha in two separate stints before his retirement in 2022, was brought in as a replacement test rider for Cal Crutchlow. The Brit has been struggling with injuries since he left racing in 2020.

Following sporadic tests and appearances for Yamaha, Dovizioso has been brought in as a full-on test rider on a multi-year deal. This appears to have met the request of 2021 champion Fabio Quartararo, who wanted the Italian to be as ‘involved as possible’, with his experience being so valuable.

Dovizioso’s feedback to the engineers will be critical for the manufacturer as they hope to return to the front of MotoGP. He will be hugely beneficial for Toprak Razgatlioglu, who will have to get accustomed to Michelin rubber when he joins Pramac from World Superbikes in 2026.

The 39-year-old’s new contract spells bad news for Crutchlow. In a report from The Race, sources in the paddock have indicated that the Brit’s time at Yamaha ‘may be coming to an end’.

Injuries have hampered the three-time race winner over the years, which has limited his impact at Yamaha. Contracted until 2026, his departure could have a domino effect for Jack Miller.

Andrea Dovizioso’s Yamaha deal opens the door for Cal Crutchlow to attract Jack Miller to WSBK with Honda

Miller is fighting for his future with Pramac in 2025. The Aussie is out of contract at the end of the year, making him, on paper, the likely candidate to lose his seat.

Teammate Miguel Oliveira has a two-year deal, but the Portuguese rider is not nailed on to be partnered with Razgatlioglu. Oliveira is not meeting his performance clause, which could see Yamaha drop him at the end of the season.

There is even a chance that Miller and Oliveira both lose their seats. Yamaha are reportedly interested in Manu Gonzalez and could battle with Aprilia to sign the Moto2 rider.

Amid the uncertainty surrounding the Aussie, Miller has been offered a three-year deal by Honda to move to WSBK in 2026. The deal is a lucrative one, and Dovizioso’s new contract with Yamaha may have made it an even more attractive prospect.

Honda are targeting Crutchlow to join the team as the head of their WSBK operations. The Brit has a great relationship with Miller, and given both of their futures at Yamaha are uncertain, it could all end with the pair heading to Honda.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Jack Miller from net worth to wife

Pramac have brought forward when they will decide if Jack Miller will stay in MotoGP in 2026

It would be fair to assume that Miller’s main priority would be to stay with Pramac in 2026. With his performances thus far and impressive technical feedback, he stands a great chance of securing his future over his teammate.

Oliveira has been given an ultimatum as he has a ‘couple of weeks’ to save his MotoGP career. However, it has now been reported that Miller will know his fate before the summer break, as Pramac look to confirm Razgatlioglu’s teammate before the Czech Grand Prix.

Miller is ‘very relaxed’ despite the unknowns surrounding his future. The 30-year-old has a lot of offers on the table, which could even see Miller replace Alex Rins at the factory Yamaha team.

But many will be wondering if Crutchlow’s exit from Yamaha will have any effect on the Aussie joining Honda. Michelin have given Miller another incentive to join WSBK as they will become the sport’s tyre supplier in 2027.