Fabio Quartararo’s ‘very useful’ comment about Jack Miller at Yamaha may have helped save his MotoGP career

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Yamaha is the only constructor on the MotoGP grid to run an inline-4 engine, with the rest of the grid opting for a V4 layout, which, at the moment, is proving to be the superior option.

The Japanese constructor has had a dismal couple of weeks since the conclusion of the summer break. All four Yamaha bikes finished in the final four positions in Austria, with Fabio Quartararo’s 10th-place in Hungary being the best that the M1 could provide.

Quartararo is no longer able to compete with Marquez as the Ducati bikes reign supreme. The Frenchman’s last win in the premier class came back in 2022, in the season following his title-winning feat.

The constructor is in danger of pushing the 2021 world champion out the door if things continue to go downhill. Quartararo has been tipped to copy Marc Marquez in reference to the Spaniard’s departure from Honda in 2023.

With Jack Miller’s future in MotoGP currently in jeopardy, he could be the key to unlocking the potential of Yamaha’s performance as they look towards alternatives in hopes of climbing up the pecking order, as well as retaining Quartararo.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Fabio Quartararo from net worth to career stats

Jack Miller’s experience on a V4-powered bike could be key in deciding his Yamaha future

Quartararo hasn’t been happy with the performance of the M1 in recent weeks and has let his feelings become known in his comments to the on-site media.

As Yamaha continues to test a V4-powered bike in hopes of introducing it during the 2026 season, the Frenchman is determined for them to focus on just one of their philosophies instead of juggling both.

He told journalists, via MOW, “We can’t do two things at once when we can’t do either one well. We need to focus on just one: the V4.”

After previously refusing to speculate on Miller’s future at the team, he pointed out one advantage of the Australian that could prove to be invaluable for Yamaha’s efforts, declaring, “We need a rider who knows the V4.

“I don’t know it, Alex Rins doesn’t either, Toprak Razgatlioglu has never seen a MotoGP bike… Jack could be very useful for development.”

Miller made the move from KTM to Yamaha ahead of the current campaign. He has a number of years of experience atop a V4-powered bike, with his previous race-winning stint on a Ducati adding to that.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Jack Miller from net worth to wife

Yamaha reportedly offered Jack Miller a one-year extension of his current factory deal at the Hungarian Grand Prix

Miller expressed his frustration with Yamaha at Balaton Park as the team continue to delay the decision regarding his future further and further back.

However, it looks like he will have a decision in the next week or so, and that decision will go in favour of the Australian. MOW have reported that, following his ‘outburst’ with the media on Thursday, the 30-year-old had a meeting with Yamaha executives, along with his agent, Aki Ajo.

Miller was reportedly offered a one-year extension of his current deal with the team, which will see him stay on the MotoGP grid for at least one more year.

The ‘affection’ that Pramac chief Paolo Campinoti has for Miller may have played a part in retaining his services, but as of yet, nothing official has come from Yamaha to indicate that it is set in stone.