Marco Bezzecchi
Jack Miller is fighting to stay on the MotoGP grid in 2026 as his contract at Pramac expires at the end of 2025.
The satellite Yamaha team have three riders currently on their books, after signing Toprak Razgatlioglu from World Superbikes for 2026. It leaves Miller and teammate Miguel Oliveira at risk of leaving the team next season.
Oliveira is not meeting a performance clause in his contract, which would allow Yamaha to drop him early, despite having a deal until 2026. He has scored just six points this season, having missed four races through injury.
Pramac would choose Miller ‘right now’ over Oliveira, with his experience and technical expertise proving vital for Yamaha behind the scenes. But the Tuscany-based team have other options outside their pool of riders, with Enea Bastianini, Manu Gonzalez and Diogo Moreira also linked.
Pramac do not agree with Yamaha’s interest in Moreira, as they think the ‘ideal scenario’ is for him to stay in Moto2 ahead of a possible promotion in 2027. As Miller hopes to secure his future in MotoGP, LCR Honda rider Johann Zarco may have the answer to land a new contract.
Johann Zarco says Jack Miller could save his Pramac seat with a strong race at the Suzuka 8 Hours
Zarco is set to compete for Honda at the Suzuka 8 Hours in August, having won the event at the first time of asking last season. Luca Marini crashed during testing for the race and sustained serious injuries, ruling him out of several MotoGP events.
Miller is also set to take part in the Suzuka 8 Hours. Speaking with journalist Mat Oxley, Zarco says the Aussie will ‘score points with Yamaha’ if he has a strong race.
“I honestly think so. I dared to take on the challenge last year and I enjoyed it, and the victory was great. I think Jack’s presence is a good thing for Yamaha; it’ll give them a bike in addition to the YART one,” he said, via quotes on X (formerly Twitter).
He’ll also have some good riders with him. Besides, for Jack, this may not be the best time for him right now, and if it works out well, it will certainly allow him to score points with Yamaha.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Jack Miller from net worth to wife
Could a Yamaha promotion be on the cards for Jack Miller?
Yamaha have been talking up Miller and his efforts behind the scenes to help the manufacturer build back to the front of the grid. Pramac will decide before the summer break which of their riders will partner with Razgatlioglu for 2026.
Fabio Quartararo is likely to be consulted in Pramac’s decision, with the 2021 MotoGP champion having such a huge influence at Yamaha. He could be key for Miller to retain his seat, and he could even get a promotion.
Miller could replace Alex Rins at the factory team after impressing Yamaha with the development of the YZR-M1. Miller proved he should replace Rins after he battered him in qualifying at Assen.
If the 30-year-old does end up losing his seat at Pramac, World Superbikes could be an option for him to consider. Luigi Dall’Igna ‘likes’ Miller at Ducati and could look to recruit him to the team’s WSBK project as they search for Alvaro Bautista’s replacement.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
