Jack Miller's MotoGP journey took an exciting turn as he embarked on his first season with Yamaha, but it wasn't without its challenges. A rollercoaster of emotions, as he puts it.
Miller, a seasoned racer with wins on Honda and Ducati, reunited with Pramac, the team he previously achieved nine podiums with. This time, he partnered with Miguel Oliveira, marking a new Yamaha era for the team. It was a crucial move for Miller, whose MotoGP career faced uncertainty before this deal.
His performance earned him the title of Yamaha's second-best rider, right after Fabio Quartararo, and a new contract for 2026. But Miller's season was a mix of triumphs and disappointments, as he shared with Crash.net. He achieved some impressive results, but there were also missed opportunities that left him wanting more.
The season started on a high note with a fifth-place finish at COTA. However, a potential win at Le Mans in mixed conditions slipped through his fingers, and a front-row qualification at Phillip Island ended with a crash in the grand prix, just shy of a home Sprint podium.
Changing manufacturers in MotoGP is no easy feat, as Miller acknowledges. The lack of testing makes it a constant game of catch-up, and mistakes are easy to come by. Despite the challenges, Miller found a silver lining: "It's been a fun year." He praised Quartararo's speed while also suggesting that his own experience with different MotoGP bikes brought a fresh setup approach to the team.
But here's where it gets intriguing: Yamaha's focus on the V4 project meant that Miller had to make the most of the Inline machine's final season. Was this a hint of internal strategy shifts? Miller's insights offer a unique perspective on the dynamics within the team.
With a seasoned paddock insider like Peter, who's witnessed the rise and fall of legends like Valentino Rossi and the Suzuki exit drama, Miller's story adds another layer to the MotoGP saga. What do you think about Miller's take on his Yamaha debut? Do you agree with his assessment of the team's internal dynamics?