Assen Is Special to Me” – Jack Miller Confident He Will Perform Strongly at Assen with the Yamaha M1

Jack Miller is heading to one of his most beloved circuits on the MotoGP calendar — the TT Circuit Assen — with a mission: to bounce back after a disappointing retirement from the Italian Grand Prix. After a few days of reflection and recovery, the Australian rider is fired up to return to action, hoping to rediscover the magic of past successes in the Netherlands.

A Bitter Weekend at Mugello

The Italian Grand Prix was a weekend to forget for Jack Miller and the Prima Pramac Yamaha Racing Team. A mix of qualifying struggles and mechanical issues culminated in a disappointing early retirement from the race.

“Mugello was definitely a tough weekend for us,” Miller admitted. “These few days off helped me reset and refocus for Assen.”

Heading into Mugello, there was cautious optimism that Miller could build on previous performances. But a lack of competitiveness in the sprint race, combined with Yamaha’s ongoing struggles with straight-line speed and rear grip, quickly turned optimism into frustration. The retirement was not only disappointing from a results standpoint but also mentally draining, as Miller has been working hard to adjust to life with Yamaha after moving from KTM.

Assen: A Circuit of Memories and Motivation

If there’s a single circuit that symbolizes hope and redemption for Miller, it’s Assen. The iconic Dutch TT venue, nicknamed “The Cathedral of Speed,” is where Miller secured his first MotoGP win back in 2016 — an unforgettable, rain-soaked victory aboard the Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS Honda. It was a race that stunned the paddock and announced the arrival of Jack Miller as a premier class winner.

“I love riding at Assen — its fast corners and flowing nature really suit my style,” Miller said this week. “And of course, it‘s extra special for me as the place where I won my first MotoGP race.”

That 2016 win remains one of the most memorable in recent history, with Miller masterfully navigating treacherous wet conditions to take victory in a chaotic race filled with crashes and drama. It was a defining moment in his career — one that etched his name into the record books as the first non-factory rider to win a MotoGP race in a decade.

Past Performances at the Dutch TT

While the 2016 victory was a career high, Jack Miller has had other solid performances at Assen over the years. He finished sixth in 2017 while still riding for Estrella Galicia and repeated that result in 2022 aboard the Ducati Lenovo machine. Although podiums have eluded him since that magical win, his consistency at the track shows he has the pace and rhythm to be competitive — even when the machinery isn’t perfect.

Assen’s fast-flowing corners, sweeping transitions, and technical chicanes often favor riders who thrive on momentum and precision — two characteristics that match Miller’s aggressive yet smooth style.

Yamaha’s Uphill Climb and Miller’s Adaptation

Since joining the Prima Pramac Yamaha team, Miller’s transition hasn’t been without growing pains. The Yamaha M1 has long been praised for its cornering ability but criticized for its lack of top speed and horsepower, especially compared to the Ducati and KTM machines. Miller, who previously rode for both manufacturers, is feeling the contrast.

Yamaha’s engineers have been working overtime to address these deficits, but progress has been slow. Despite that, Miller is doing his best to adapt, bringing his experience, feedback, and sheer determination to the project.

“Every time I get on the bike, I want to give my absolute best,” he said. “I can‘t wait to jump back on my Yamaha at a track where I believe we can be competitive.”

Assen could serve as a breakthrough moment for both rider and team. With fewer straights and more emphasis on flowing corner speed, it’s a venue where Yamaha has historically been more competitive — and where Miller may finally showcase the full potential of his partnership with the Japanese manufacturer.

Current Standing in the Championship

As it stands, Jack Miller is 19th in the MotoGP World Championship with 31 points after nine rounds. His best result so far came at the Grand Prix of the Americas, where he finished fifth — a solid ride that hinted at potential.

But the overall results have been inconsistent, with technical problems, qualifying woes, and difficult race-day performances keeping him outside the top ten more often than not. Compared to riders like Pecco Bagnaia, Marc Márquez, and Jorge Martín, who are locked in a fierce title battle, Miller’s position is far from ideal.

However, there are still 13 rounds left in the season. For a rider like Miller, who thrives on momentum and emotion, a strong performance at Assen could be the turning point that reignites his 2025 campaign.

The Emotional Weight of Assen

What sets Assen apart isn’t just the track layout or the passionate Dutch fans — it’s the emotional resonance it carries for Miller. That 2016 victory didn’t just earn him a trophy; it validated his leap from Moto3 straight to MotoGP, a move many had criticized at the time.

That day, Miller proved he belonged among the elite — and he’s been fighting to prove it ever since.

Returning to Assen now, nearly a decade later, the Australian is no longer the wild underdog. He’s a seasoned competitor with multiple podiums, wins, and race battles against the sport’s biggest stars. But the hunger remains the same.

Weekend Strategy: What Miller Needs to Do

To maximize his chances of success at Assen, Miller and the team must execute on several fronts:

• Strong Qualifying Performance: Starting near the front will be critical, especially given Yamaha’s struggles with overtaking on straights.

• Sprint Race Setup: With Saturday’s sprint format, maximizing points early could ease the pressure for Sunday.

• Tire Management: Assen’s high-speed corners demand intelligent tire conservation — something Miller has improved on over the years.

• Avoiding Early Chaos: The Dutch TT is known for drama, especially in mixed weather conditions. Staying clean in the opening laps will be key.

Fan Support and the Return of the Crowd

Another X-factor this weekend will be the return of the full-capacity Dutch crowd. Assen is renowned for its electric atmosphere, with MotoGP fans packing the grandstands and camping areas in full voice. For Miller, who feeds off fan energy, this could be the morale boost he needs.

“I always feel something special when I ride here,” he said. “There’s just a different vibe — it reminds me why I love this sport.”

The Dutch fans also haven’t forgotten that wet 2016 afternoon. Whenever Miller walks through the paddock or steps onto the grid at Assen, he is greeted with appreciation and memories from one of the most iconic modern wins in MotoGP.

Looking Forward Beyond Assen

Even if Assen proves successful, the road ahead remains tough. The MotoGP calendar heads next to Germany, Great Britain, and Austria — circuits with varying characteristics and technical demands. Miller and Yamaha must use Assen as a launchpad to find consistency.

The Yamaha development story is also unfolding in the background. Rumors suggest new parts, including chassis upgrades and electronics tweaks, are in the pipeline for the summer races. Whether these changes arrive in time for Assen or not, Miller’s input will be vital.

As a proven race winner and development-savvy rider, his voice inside the garage is growing more influential — especially as Yamaha continues searching for its next world champion.

Conclusion: Can the Past Inspire the Present?

Jack Miller’s return to Assen is more than just another race — it’s a homecoming to where belief became reality. A place where his name was forever etched into MotoGP folklore. And now, in 2025, he arrives not as the underdog with everything to prove, but as a veteran seeking redemption and resurgence.

Assen may not hand him a win like in 2016, but it could provide something equally important: confidence, rhythm, and a clear sign that the hard work with Yamaha is starting to pay off.

The Cathedral of Speed has been kind to Jack Miller in the past. This weekend, it could be his sanctuary once again.