Jack Miller Is Put in Danger as Pramac Publicly Opposes Yamaha’s New Plan

The MotoGP paddock is buzzing with uncertainty as Jack Miller’s future at Pramac Yamaha hangs by a thread. As Yamaha prepares to welcome Toprak Razgatlioglu from World Superbikes in 2026, questions swirl over who will partner the Turkish sensation on the satellite Pramac Yamaha team.

The decision, complicated by competing interests between the Yamaha factory management and the Pramac satellite team, has left Miller in a precarious position heading into the second half of the 2025 season.

Yamaha’s Dilemma: Who Will Partner Razgatlioglu in 2026?

After years of speculation, Yamaha finally secured the signature of Toprak Razgatlioglu, who will join the MotoGP grid in 2026 riding a factory-spec YZR-M1 for Pramac. But his teammate remains undecided, with Yamaha executives weighing up whether to retain Jack Miller, keep Miguel Oliveira, or make a bold leap by promoting rising star Diogo Moreira from Moto2.

Yamaha’s management reportedly favors Miller, given his aggressive riding style and technical feedback, which has been instrumental in Pramac’s transition to Yamaha machinery. However, the brand is also enticed by Moreira’s youth and marketability, especially in Brazil, a region Yamaha is eager to expand its MotoGP presence.

Miguel Oliveira’s Future Hangs by a Clause

Miguel Oliveira, currently on a two-year works contract with Yamaha, is not safe either. His deal includes a crucial release clause, which allows Yamaha to cut ties if Oliveira is their lowest-performing rider by the 2025 summer break.

At present, the Portuguese rider has struggled mightily this season, sitting at just six points, compared to Alex Rins’ 35 and Miller’s 33. Oliveira’s hopes now rest on the upcoming races in Germany and the Czech Republic, where he must close the gap or risk losing his seat.

If the standings remain unchanged, Yamaha’s current thinking leans toward keeping Miller alongside Razgatlioglu in 2026. But Oliveira still has two rounds left to turn his season around.

Pramac Yamaha Clash with Factory Yamaha Over Diogo Moreira’s Future

The situation became even more complicated when reports surfaced that Yamaha wants to fast-track Diogo Moreira into the Pramac MotoGP squad in 2026. The 21-year-old Moto2 talent, currently racing for Italtrans, is considered one of Brazil’s most promising motorcycle racers. Yamaha has been grooming him as their next big star, as shown by his recent collaboration with Yamaha Brazil.

Moreira recently tested a Yamaha R1 alongside Razgatlioglu at Balaton Park, fueling speculation that Yamaha sees him as MotoGP-ready. But Pramac strongly disagrees.

According to insiders, Pramac believes Moreira would benefit from at least one more year in Moto2, preferably with Pramac’s own Moto2 team, before making the leap to MotoGP in 2027. This development plan would give Moreira time to adapt, rather than risking a premature promotion that could hurt his long-term potential.

Moreira Prefers to Stay at Italtrans for Now

Interestingly, Diogo Moreira himself is reportedly hesitant about switching teams in Moto2. Despite Yamaha’s interest, Moreira prefers to remain with Italtrans in the intermediate class for 2026, unless a clear path to a competitive MotoGP seat is guaranteed.

This leaves Yamaha in a difficult position. Should they push Moreira straight into MotoGP in 2026 against Pramac’s wishes, risking tension within their key satellite team? Or should they allow the young Brazilian to develop on his own terms and join MotoGP later?

A Decision Looms Before the Czech Grand Prix

Yamaha doesn’t have the luxury of waiting. With Toprak Razgatlioglu’s deal finalized, they are aiming to settle their Pramac line-up for 2026 before the 2025 Czech Grand Prix. The urgency stems from the need to give the riders clarity on their future—and to secure sponsorship commitments for the coming seasons.

If Yamaha were forced to decide today, Miller is reportedly ahead of Oliveira in their 2026 plans. Despite an inconsistent 2025 campaign, Miller’s feedback and leadership have helped Pramac adapt to Yamaha equipment this season, and his rapport with the crew has been solid.

Miller’s 2025 Season: Promising Start, But Uncertain Finish

Miller rejoined the Yamaha fold for 2025 on a one-year factory Yamaha deal, returning to Pramac after several seasons away. His early results were promising, but like much of the Yamaha camp, consistency has been elusive.

While not setting the world on fire, Miller has generally outperformed Oliveira and played a vital role in development, making him an attractive short-term choice to partner Razgatlioglu. But with only a one-year deal, his future hinges entirely on Yamaha’s evolving strategic vision.

Could Miller Lose Out to Market Forces?

Despite his experience and competitiveness, Miller faces a familiar MotoGP problem: marketing appeal versus raw results. Yamaha sees Diogo Moreira as a gateway to Brazil, one of the sport’s untapped commercial markets. Moreira’s youth and charisma make him a potentially bigger long-term asset than Miller, whose grizzled veteran image, while respected, may not excite marketers in the same way.

If Yamaha prioritizes building a new star rather than retaining experience, Miller could find himself squeezed out despite solid performances.

What Does Pramac Want? Stability Over Risk

While Yamaha is tempted by Moreira’s marketing potential, Pramac seems to favor stability and race performance. The Italian squad would reportedly prefer to keep an experienced duo of Razgatlioglu and either Miller or Oliveira to help navigate the technical complexities of the new Yamaha-Pramac partnership.

Pramac believes throwing a rookie into the mix in 2026—especially with Toprak himself adjusting to MotoGP—could destabilize the team dynamic.

Yamaha’s Expanding Brazilian Strategy

Yamaha’s push for Moreira is also part of a wider strategy to expand their brand presence in Brazil, one of the largest motorcycle markets in the world.

Yamaha Brazil’s recent collaboration with Moreira is no coincidence. The Japanese marque views the 21-year-old as the perfect ambassador to spearhead their efforts in South America, a region they’ve targeted for growth through both sales and MotoGP popularity.

The Next Two Races Will Be Critical for Oliveira—and Miller

As the MotoGP circus heads to Sachsenring in Germany and Brno in the Czech Republic, Miguel Oliveira faces immense pressure. If he cannot close the points gap to Miller and Rins, Yamaha may activate his release clause, clearing the way for Miller to stay put in 2026.

But Miller’s own performances will be under the microscope. A poor showing could re-open the door for Moreira—or even other riders waiting in the wings.

Conclusion: Miller’s Fate Hangs in the Balance

For now, Jack Miller’s MotoGP future remains on shaky ground. Yamaha must balance short-term performance needs with long-term strategic goals, and Miller’s experience could either be his saving grace or his undoing.

Pramac’s disagreement with Yamaha over Moreira adds yet another layer of intrigue. Will Yamaha force through their market-driven plans, or will they listen to Pramac’s plea for rider continuity and development stability?

The next few races could define the careers of Miller, Oliveira, and Moreira. And as the 2025 MotoGP season barrels toward its summer break, the only certainty is that the battle for Pramac’s second seat is far from over.