Neil Hodgson reveals the ‘vibe’ about Jack Miller’s MotoGP future in the German Grand Prix paddock

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Jack Miller’s German Grand Prix weekend got off to an eye-catching start as he fights for his Pramac future. Miller was second-fastest in the opening practice session behind overwhelming favourite Marc Marquez.

The Australian bagged P5 at the Americas GP in March but has only once finished higher than 14th since. A big result this weekend could be crucial as he fights Miguel Oliveira for a seat.

Yamaha have already confirmed that reigning World Superbikes champion Toprak Razgatlioglu will ride for their satellite team in 2026. Oliveira is under contract but isn’t meeting a performance clause, so both riders are at risk.

There’s a small possibility that Pramac have an all-new line-up. Yamaha are interested in Diogo Moreira, who’s impressed in Moto2 this season.

Jack Miller expected to retain Pramac MotoGP seat for 2026

Yamaha have indicated that they will make a decision before the summer break, so it could happen within the next week. Having spoken to contacts in the Sachensring paddock, TNT Sports pundit Neil Hodgson is optimistic for Miller.

‘The vibe’ is that the Australian will sign a new contract, though it’s unclear how long that will last. Miller could stay for 2026 and give way to Moreira, or another rider, for the start of the new regulations.

“It will be interesting which direction they go in,” Hodgson said during the network’s FP1 coverage. “The smart money seems to be on Jack Miller. That’s the vibe in the paddock. Let’s see, we will find out.”

One insider says Miller’s presence helps Fabio Quartararo, the franchise rider at Yamaha and the brand’s top priority. The feeling is that he’s best-placed to push El Diablo forward because he has a higher ceiling than Oliveira or Alex Rins.

Miguel Oliveira could receive three offers if Pramac axe him

Hodgson’s colleague Michael Laverty concurred that the narrative has shifted in favour of Miller staying. The expectation is that Yamaha will activate Oliveira’s performance clause, which requires him to be inside their top three.

With a 27-point gap to Miller, the injury-affected Oliveira has no realistic chance of meeting that benchmark before the end of the Brno weekend.

Laverty expects the five-time MotoGP winner to receive extensive interest from the World Superbikes paddock. He could remain on Yamaha machinery.

“You would imagine Miguel Oliveira’s name will be very high on the list for Yamaha, for Ducati, for Honda in World Superbikes,” he said. “If Miguel doesn’t retain his spot at Pramac, he’ll wave goodbye to this paddock for now at least.

“It sounds like the shift has gone towards Jack being the favourite for that seat next season. Miguel has a contract with performance clauses in it, so there is a potential release there for Yamaha.”