Marco Bezzecchi
Jack Miller endured a tough weekend at the Italian Grand Prix as he fights for his Pramac MotoGP seat. The pressure is on after Yamaha placed Toprak Razgatlioglu at their satellite team for 2026.
Miller qualified 13th, just missing out on Q2, as the two factory Yamaha bikes made the cut. He lost three places in the Sprint, and then encountered a technical issue during the race.
Miller bemoaned the ‘mad’ problem with his M1, but teammate Miguel Oliveira was able to pick up three points. That was a timely boost for the Portuguese as the two riders fight for the seat.
Of course, it’s not guaranteed that either will stay. Miller is out of contract, and Oliveira isn’t meeting a performance clause in his deal.
Pramac boss Gino Borsoi says Manuel Gonzalez isn’t a fit for the team right now
Yamaha were linked with Manuel Gonzalez as an alternative to Miller and Oliveira. The Moto2 rider, who’s won five races and scored 12 podiums in the series, impressed for Trackhouse at the Aragon test.
Gonzalez’s victory at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday puts him nine points clear of compatriot Aron Canet at the top of the standings. But speaking to AS, Pramac boss Gino Borsoi said ‘the results aren’t conducive’ to the 22-year-old joining.
It’s unclear whether he means Gonzalez isn’t ready for MotoGP, or Pramac aren’t ready to take on a rookie. The team currently sit bottom of the standings with just 43 points.
Yamaha could decide on their final rider after the German GP, paving the way for an announcement before the summer break.
“It’s clear, and we have to be honest, because right now the results aren’t conducive to a Moto2 rider being promoted,” Borsoi said. “Right now, I say, and we also have to give everyone a chance to show their speed before making the best decision.”
Where Yamaha currently stand on Jack Miller vs Miguel Oliveira
Miller is understood to be relaxed about his MotoGP future despite the threat he faces. He naturally wants to stay in the sport, but he views this year as a bonus after coming close to an enforced retirement.
As it stands, Miller is the favourite to partner Razgatlioglu, ahead of Oliveira. The latter has been affected by injury but has lagged behind the rest of Yamaha’s riders even when available.
Oliveira’s clause requires him to be in the brand’s top three, but he’s still 25 points adrift. It’s highly unlikely he reels in that margin before the cut-off point, even if Yamaha rediscover their form.
Miller slipped below Rins in the standings on Sunday after the Spaniard collected the final point in P15.
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