Jack Miller’s future at Yamaha is unexpectedly complicated by two ‘rivals’ from Pramac!

Just weeks before MotoGP’s summer break, Yamaha managing director Paolo Pavesio has officially hit the brakes on what was supposed to be a decisive moment: choosing between Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira for Pramac’s 2026 MotoGP line-up.

Originally, Brno was set as the make-or-break round—a final audition to prove who deserves the coveted seat alongside incoming star Toprak Razgatlioglu. However, as Yamaha’s internal evaluations have deepened and Moto2 stars Diogo Moreira and Manuel Gonzalez have emerged as wildcard options, the picture has become significantly more complicated.

Let’s break down the evolving saga.

Why the Decision Was Delayed: Not Just About Results Anymore

Pavesio initially wanted clarity before the 2025 summer break, especially since Oliveira’s factory contract includes a July release clause. If he’s the lowest-scoring Yamaha rider by the end of July, Yamaha can release him unilaterally.

And, as things stand, that clause is virtually certain to be triggered.

• Fabio Quartararo: 87 points

• Jack Miller: 46 points

• Alex Rins: 41 points

• Miguel Oliveira: 6 points

But despite Oliveira’s poor form, Pavesio isn’t ready to act yet. According to SPEEDWEEK, Yamaha has “indicated” the decision surrounding Pramac’s 2026 pairing is “more complex” than originally thought.

Yamaha Will Now Decide After the Hungarian GP

Instead of locking the decision at Brno, Yamaha will now consider performances across three rounds:

• Czech GP (Brno)

• Austrian GP (Red Bull Ring, Aug 15–17)

• Hungarian GP (Balaton Park, Aug 22–24)

The delay allows Yamaha to fully assess not only Miller and Oliveira, but also track the progress of Moto2 standouts Diogo Moreira and Manuel Gonzalez.

Moreira and Gonzalez: The Disruptive Duo

The surprise twist in the narrative? Yamaha is seriously considering signing a rookie to Pramac alongside Toprak. Both Diogo Moreira and Manuel Gonzalez are high on the list.

Gonzalez, in particular, is controversial. Despite four wins in his fourth full Moto2 season, Pramac boss Gino Borsoi has said Gonzalez is “not ready” for MotoGP, citing his inconsistency. Yet Yamaha reportedly sees the 22-year-old as a long-term investment—even if it means going against Pramac’s preferences.

Aprilia also had interest in Gonzalez if Jorge Martin left. That didn’t happen, but if Trackhouse replaces Raul Fernandez in 2026, Aprilia could swoop in again. Gonzalez’s future is suddenly a multi-manufacturer battlefield.

Oliveira’s MotoGP Career Hangs in the Balance

For Miguel Oliveira, the writing is on the wall. Unless he performs miracles across the next three rounds, his Yamaha contract clause will be activated. And Yamaha is unlikely to renew unless Pavesio sees a dramatic upturn.

That said, Oliveira is not ready to leave MotoGP. If he’s released from the Pramac seat, he could still remain within Yamaha as a test rider—a position currently held by Cal Crutchlow, who is expected to step away at the end of 2025.

“If Oliveira is cut from the factory ranks, Yamaha may offer him Crutchlow’s seat, or he may be picked up by another manufacturer as a development rider.”

It’s a soft landing, but a far cry from where Oliveira expected to be just a year ago.

Jack Miller’s Many Doors: MotoGP, WorldSBK, or Both?

For Jack Miller, the picture is equally murky—but for different reasons.

He’s outperformed Oliveira this season, and the “paddock vibe” in Germany was that Miller would stay at Pramac. However, his options now span across multiple worlds:

1. Stay at Pramac alongside Toprak

2. Be promoted to Yamaha’s factory team (rumored but denied)

3. Leave MotoGP for WorldSBK, where Yamaha, BMW, and Honda are all interested

Pavesio is reportedly willing to offer Miller a factory WSBK seat if he’s not retained for MotoGP. BMW wants Miller to replace Razgatlioglu. Honda has also made him an offer.

So, while Miller has stronger leverage than Oliveira, he’s still not safe until his contract is renewed.

Alex Rins’ Future Also Uncertain

Oddly enough, Alex Rins could also be affected. While Yamaha has denied rumors of releasing Rins early, some insiders believe Miller’s potential promotion to the factory team would only be possible if Rins is pushed out.

“So far, Yamaha denies they’re considering ending Rins’ contract. But they’ve also refused to confirm that Miller isn’t being looked at for the factory squad.”

Meanwhile, Luca Marini has been floated as a possible option for Pramac if both Oliveira and Rins are moved on. The Italian’s Honda seat is in danger, and title sponsor Prima wants an Italian rider, which Marini fits perfectly.

Who Will Ride With Toprak Razgatlioglu in 2026?

As it stands now, Toprak’s debut MotoGP season is taking shape, but his teammate remains a mystery. The key contenders:

• ✅ Jack Miller – current favorite to stay at Pramac

• ⚠️ Miguel Oliveira – likely to be released

• 🔄 Manuel Gonzalez – Yamaha’s wildcard pick, but Pramac is unconvinced

• 🆕 Diogo Moreira – fast-tracked rookie option

• 🧩 Luca Marini – sponsor-favored, could return if space opens

And Yamaha still must balance Pramac’s preferences with their own strategy, especially if they insist on pushing through Gonzalez.

Final Thoughts: Yamaha’s Big Decision May Define Their MotoGP Future

What started as a simple comparison between two experienced riders has now ballooned into a multi-layered strategic puzzle. Yamaha must weigh:

• Performance now vs. potential later

• Pramac’s needs vs. factory vision

• MotoGP experience vs. rookie risk

• Rider preference vs. sponsor pressure

In delaying his decision, Paolo Pavesio has bought himself time—but also spotlighted the fragility of every rider’s future.

One thing is clear: Pramac’s 2026 line-up won’t be decided by Brno—but what happens in Brno, Austria, and Hungary will determine who gets to fight for it.

Get ready. The MotoGP rider market just got wilder.