Yamaha have finally decided between Jack Miller and Manuel Gonzalez for the final Pramac seat

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Jack Miller has publicly criticised Yamaha for the delay in confirming their 2026 rider plans. He originally hoped to have an answer before the second half of the season.

But no news arrived prior to the weekends in Austria or Hungary. Honda have beaten Yamaha to Diogo Moreira, whom they will place at LCR, but that wasn’t enough to guarantee Miller a new contract.

Yamaha confirmed in mid-June that Toprak Razgatlioglu, the World Superbikes champion, would occupy one of the two satellite seats. It has become increasingly clear that Miguel Oliveira will lose his seat, having failed to meet a performance clause that would have guaranteed him a 2026 ride.

But Yamaha have nonetheless considered multiple alternatives to Miller. After Moreira turned them down, Moto2 championship leader Manuel Gonzalez was approached for the Pramac vacancy.

Jack Miller wins the race for Pramac MotoGP seat ahead of Manuel Gonzalez

Yamaha made contact with Gonzalez’s Intact GP team during the Austria weekend to ask them to extend his contract deadline. They were given one week, which has forced them into a final decision at Balaton Park.

A journalist on site has revealed that Yamaha’s Japanese management preferred to keep Miller due to his experience. And AS say that will ‘save’ Miller.

• READ MORE: Paolo Pavesio reveals what he’s told Jack Miller in ‘open’ conversation about Yamaha’s rider plans

The debate at Yamaha is finally ‘over’ with the Australian ‘in place’ for 2026. They briefly considered moving him up to the factory team to replace Alex Rins, but he has a ‘valid contract’ that will be respected.

Thus, Miller will stay where he is and Gonzalez will either have to remain in Moto2 or pivot to World Superbikes. Pramac boss Gino Borsoi pushed back on the idea of fielding two rookies, particularly with Yamaha preparing to introduce their V4 engine.

The 2026 MotoGP grid in full as only confirmation remains

Developments in the past few days effectively settle the MotoGP grid for next year. The market threatened to explode into life when Jorge Martin tried to activate his Aprilia release clause, but he was effectively forced to stay in the end.

The result is that every factory team retains the same line-up. In fact, there won’t be any changes at the top eight teams. Valentino Rossi favourite Franco Morbidelli is almost certain to stay at VR46.

With Luca Marini’s new contract agreed, Johann Zarco will remain at Honda’s satellite team next to new signing Moreira. Razgatlioglu is the headline addition.

Next year’s silly season could be chaotic as a contract cycle comes to an end, with hardly any riders committed for 2027.