‘Positive Day’ at Suzuka: Has Jack Miller found his winning feeling?

After an eight-year absence from one of motorcycle racing’s most prestigious endurance events, Jack Miller made a confident return to Suzuka Circuit for a pre-event test ahead of the Suzuka 8 Hours. Now representing the factory Yamaha Racing Team, the Australian rider re-acquainted himself with the rigors of long-distance racing and the unique demands of the famed Japanese track.

Miller’s last appearance at the Suzuka 8 Hours was back in 2017, where he made his debut with Honda and impressed with a fourth-place finish. Fast forward to 2025, and Miller is back—this time as part of a formidable trio alongside World Superbike regular Andrea Locatelli and Suzuka legend Katsuyuki Nakasuga, a four-time winner of the event.

Following the test session on Wednesday, Miller shared a candid reflection on the day’s work and the transition back to endurance racing after focusing primarily on MotoGP machinery over recent years.

“It was nice to get back in the swing of things on the R1,” Miller stated. “You know, you think that you have become comfortable with it, but then you ride the M1 for a few weeks, and you come back to the R1, and it feels completely foreign again.”

The Yamaha YZF-R1, a very different beast from Miller’s usual MotoGP-spec M1, required some readjustment. But despite the initial awkwardness, Miller emphasized that the team had a productive and encouraging day on track.

“It was a positive day for us – all the boys are going very well, and I think that in general our pace is really good,” he continued. “The track was in decent condition. We are now getting used to riding with a lot of traffic on the track, but this is a part of Suzuka 8 Hours. Like I said, we’re just getting used to everything again.”

Adjusting to Endurance Conditions

The Suzuka 8 Hours is unlike anything else on the racing calendar. It blends speed with stamina, strategy with teamwork, and throws in the added complexity of high temperatures, changing light conditions, and heavy multi-class traffic.

Unlike in MotoGP, where riders have the track mostly to themselves during races, endurance racing demands constant awareness of slower competitors, pit stop management, and tire conservation over long stints.

Miller acknowledged this shift in mindset:

“Riding with a lot of traffic is not something you get used to in MotoGP. It’s just a different way of thinking out there. You have to pick your moments, conserve your energy, and work together as a unit.”

Yamaha’s Strong Lineup and Clear Intent

The Yamaha Factory Racing Team has made its intentions clear—they’re here to win. By assembling a squad featuring Miller, Locatelli, and Nakasuga, they bring together three riders with elite-level experience and complementary strengths.

• Andrea Locatelli, currently a consistent front-runner in WorldSBK, brings endurance know-how and familiarity with the R1 platform.

• Katsuyuki Nakasuga, a national legend and the cornerstone of Yamaha’s Suzuka efforts, provides critical local experience and past success.

• Jack Miller, with his aggressive racing style and top-tier MotoGP pedigree, adds raw speed and a high-level racecraft that could prove decisive in critical stages of the 8-hour race.

The chemistry between the trio was evident during the test, with all three riders spending significant time exchanging feedback and building synergy—crucial for rider swaps, strategy alignment, and tire management over the course of the race.

Returning to Roots

For Miller, this isn’t just a race; it’s a return to his racing roots. Before he was a household name in MotoGP, endurance and junior-category events like Suzuka played a vital role in shaping his career. Revisiting Suzuka, now with more experience and status, is a moment of both nostalgia and renewal.

“There’s something special about this place,” Miller said. “It’s old-school. It’s tough. But that’s what makes it so rewarding.”

What to Expect This Weekend

The 2025 Suzuka 8 Hours, taking place this weekend, will mark Miller’s full return to endurance racing. All eyes will be on Yamaha’s performance, especially after Honda and Kawasaki have shown impressive form in recent years. With weather always a factor, combined with mechanical endurance and rider stamina, victory at Suzuka is never guaranteed, no matter how strong the lineup.

However, Miller’s positive tone following the test is a good sign for Yamaha fans.

“We’ve got a good group, a fast bike, and the right mindset. If we keep improving over the next couple of days, I think we’ve got a real shot.”

Final Thoughts

Jack Miller’s return to the Suzuka 8 Hours brings not only star power to the event but also a seasoned, hungry racer looking to remind the world of his versatility. After spending years in the grueling MotoGP arena, adapting back to the demands of endurance racing is no easy feat. But if anyone thrives under challenge, it’s Miller.

With solid pace, a motivated team, and a deep understanding of the R1 platform around him, Jack Miller’s second shot at Suzuka could well be his most successful yet. Whether it ends in a podium, a win, or just a memorable battle, one thing is certain—he’s back, and he means business.