Marco Bezzecchi
Senna Agius is tipped to be Australia’s next flag-bearer in the premier class, but he isn’t the only youngster from Down Under who is doing a “fantastic job”, according to MotoGP veteran Jack Miller.
Australia have always been represented well in the premier class of Grand Prix motorcycle racing, with the five-time world championship winning exploits of Mick Doohan being followed by the enigmatic heroics of Casey Stoner.
Which at-risk MotoGP veteran deserves a seat on next year’s grid the most? 🤔
Let us know your pick and why in the comments below!
However, with Jack Miller looking like his tenure on the MotoGP grid is now coming to an end, Australia’s 46-year streak of having a premier class representative is threatened, with Moto2’s Senna Agius the only candidate to keep the run alive.
Agius has been linked with a Tech3 seat as the French satellite team continues to weigh up their options for MotoGP’s new era of regulations next year, but faces stern competition from intermediate class rival Manuel Gonzalez.
While Agius may be the only immediate answer to Australia’s lack of presence in MotoGP next year, Miller is adamant there are quite a few more up-and-coming youngsters who can reach the same heights as him.
- READ MORE: Ranking the top five Australian MotoGP riders ever including Casey Stoner and Jack Miller
Jack Miller on the ‘strong’ standard of young Australian riders
In an interview with French outlet Auto Hebdo, Miller was asked about the current crop of riders who are cutting their teeth in the lower categories of Grand Prix motorcycle racing, including the Red Bull Rookies Cup.
MotoGP is expecting to see several Moto2 riders step up in 2027, but who will be the first to win a race?
There is currently just one Australian in each class: Agius in Moto2, Joel Kelso in Moto3 and Archie Schmidt in the Red Bull Rookies Cup.
At this moment in time, Agius is arguably the only rider impressing, with Kelso and Schmidt sitting in P18 and P24 in their respective standings. However, Miller has been impressed with all three riders’ abilities.
“Senna Agius is doing a fantastic job,” he began. “We’ve also got a few youngsters coming through from the Red Bull Rookies Cup, and Joel Kelso is there in Moto3. The standard is strong at the moment.
“We’ve got a rider in every category, which is rather nice. It comes and goes depending on the era. These two have managed to do it the hard way, just like me. It’s good to see them succeed. I’m happy for them, and also for Australian motorcycling.”
- READ MORE: Neil Hodgson thinks ‘special’ Senna Agius already has Casey Stoner’s key to success in MotoGP
Miller was then asked whether he has ever considered starting his own academy for younger riders, in which he could then help them take the next steps in reaching their ultimate goal of racing in the premier class.
“At some point, yes,” the Australian answered. However, it must be the right person: “If I come across the right guy, with the right mindset, and he needs help, it’s definitely something I’d consider.”
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
