Marco Bezzecchi
Jack Miller is battling for the last remaining seat in Yamaha’s MotoGP roster for 2026. The signing of two-time World Superbikes champion Toprak Razgatlioglu guarantees that one of the Pramac riders will be let go.
If it were a straight shoot-out between Miller and Miguel Oliveira, the matter may already be settled. While injuries partly explain the 46-point deficit in the championship, the Australian leads 18-2 in the competitive sessions where both have been classified.
Oliveira hasn’t met a performance clause, which means the second year of his contract isn’t guaranteed. However, Yamaha are also interested in Diogo Moreira, the Moto2 ace, as they assess options in the market.
There had been some talk that Miller could replace Alex Rins at the factory team amid the Spaniard’s underperformance. However, Rins is adamant he has a contract in place for 2026, and that stance was backed up by Paolo Pavesio.
Ducati WSBK move looks like Jack Miller’s Plan-B if Pramac let him go
Yamaha have indicated that they will make a decision after the double header in Austria and Hungary. The deadline has been pushed back multiple times.
Based on his Thursday comments at the Red Bull Ring, Miller is becoming a little unsettled by the delay. Indeed, a report from GPOne indicates that the ‘silence worries the two riders’.
If they’re going to be let go, they need to know as soon as possible so they can make alternative arrangements for next year. Importantly, Miller already has a ‘Plan-B’ – Ducati boss Luigi Dall’Igna ‘wouldn’t think twice’ about offering him a factory WSBK seat next to Nicolo Bulega.
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Miller rode for the factory Ducati team in 2021 and 2022, notching three Grand Prix victories and 12 podiums. He’s shown little interest in changing disciplines so far, but he may have little alternative if he wants to continue racing at a high level.
Ducati-backed VR46 do have a seat available next to Fabio di Giannantonio, with Franco Morbidelli out of contract. But Valentino Rossi doesn’t want Dall’Igna to dictate his line-up.
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Moreira’s name is popping up in ‘every conversation’ in the paddock right now. This may be linked to Brazil’s return to the calendar, which strengthens the commercial argument.
He’s clearly an exciting talent, currently fourth in the intermediate-class standings. He has one victory, three poles and four podiums to his name in his first 31 races.
Moreira has also been linked with LCR Honda as a replacement for the struggling Somkiat Chantra, a move that could save Miller. Major sponsors Idemitsu may prefer Chantra to stay on the grid, though.
“There’s hope he’ll stay, but the decision is his,” Italtrans team boss Roberto Brivio told Sky Italy. “It’s an honour for us; we’re proud to have nurtured this young man and that they now want him in the top class.
“What would I do in his position? It’s true that he’s won two races and is very young. Perhaps another year in Moto2 could help him develop, but you can’t miss certain opportunities, because you never know what might happen in a year.”
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