After the Suzuka 8 Hours with Yamaha, Jack Miller hinted at a new MotoGP contract.

Jack Miller, currently racing for Pramac Racing – Yamaha’s satellite MotoGP team, is once again in the spotlight following an impressive podium finish at the 2025 Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race. Despite ongoing uncertainty about his MotoGP contract beyond this season, the Australian rider appears energized by his latest experience and is openly eyeing both a return to Suzuka in 2026 and a continuation of his MotoGP journey with Yamaha.

A podium at Suzuka reignites Jack Miller’s fire for Yamaha and MotoGP

The four-time MotoGP race winner was selected by Yamaha to join Andrea Locatelli from WorldSBK and Japanese veteran Katsuyuki Nakasuga as part of the factory-backed effort for the 2025 Suzuka 8 Hours. The team delivered a strong performance, overcoming a challenging build-up to finish second in the prestigious race, just behind Honda and MotoGP rival Johann Zarco.

This was Miller’s second Suzuka 8 Hours appearance and his first podium, a result that clearly left a lasting impression.

“Of course, I wanted to win, but my, we were up against strong competition,” Miller admitted in Yamaha’s post-race debrief. “Still, second place is nice. It was a great day for me, for Nakasuga-san and for Locatelli.”

The Aussie acknowledged the difficult racing conditions, with extreme heat and high pressure throughout the endurance event.

“The conditions were hot and extremely difficult, but we managed the race with almost no mistakes,” he continued. “Even with that, we couldn’t catch our rivals, so we need to get stronger and faster, and then come back to the Suzuka 8 Hours and win.”

For Miller, who has had a turbulent couple of seasons in MotoGP, the Suzuka experience was not only a competitive thrill but also a cultural and emotional one. He praised Yamaha’s organization and the passion of the fans, while also being visibly moved by the symbolic moment of standing on the Suzuka podium.

“This was my second time riding in the 8 Hours, and I got on the podium. Nakasuga-san told me that the view from the podium is amazing, since he’s seen it several times, and he was right! It was truly beautiful. But what I really want is the bigger one – the winner’s trophy. That thing really made me jealous!”

Miller continued by expressing his admiration for Yamaha’s commitment to progress and how much he appreciated having Yamaha President Shitara present to witness the event.

“To ride in the 8 Hours for Yamaha was a wonderful experience. I could feel Yamaha’s philosophy of constantly progressing, and it was an honour to have Yamaha President Shitara join us today. The whole team’s work was impressive, and the fans welcomed us warmly.”

“I definitely want to participate in the 8 Hours again as a Yamaha rider and get my hands on that big trophy.”

MotoGP Future Still in Question

Although Miller’s performance at Suzuka has bolstered his stock within the Yamaha camp, his future in MotoGP remains unconfirmed. He is currently out of contract at the end of the 2025 season, and Pramac Yamaha has already confirmed one seat will go to Toprak Razgatlioglu, the reigning World Superbike champion, who is set to make his full-time MotoGP debut in 2026.

That leaves just one slot open in the team, with Miller and current teammate Miguel Oliveira in contention. However, Oliveira reportedly already holds a contract through the 2026 season, positioning Miller as the odd man out – at least on paper.

Despite that, Miller’s form over the first 12 rounds of the 2025 MotoGP season has been consistent and competitive. His familiarity with the Yamaha YZR-M1 and his technical feedback have made him a valuable asset, especially during a period of critical development for the Japanese manufacturer. Yamaha has been working to address longstanding issues with acceleration and edge grip, and Miller’s aggressive yet adaptable style seems to suit the evolving M1 well.

Inside paddock rumors suggest Yamaha could be working on an internal reshuffle to retain Miller within the MotoGP structure – possibly via a test rider role, wildcard appearances, or even lobbying to expand Pramac’s lineup or support structure. While these are just whispers for now, the buzz is growing louder as Miller continues to deliver both results and media attention.

Suzuki Experience May Influence Yamaha’s Thinking

Miller’s Suzuka performance and his emotional connection to the event could influence Yamaha’s long-term rider strategy. Japanese manufacturers have historically placed significant value on riders who embrace their racing culture – and Miller’s attitude aligns well with Yamaha’s identity.

“To be part of something as unique as Suzuka with Yamaha is something I’ll never forget,” Miller said. “It reminds me of why I race – not just for results, but for experiences that push you and connect you with people and history.”

That kind of mindset, combined with his versatility and competitive hunger, may give Yamaha a reason to reconsider their current rider plans. Especially if Oliveira’s results don’t improve or if Toprak’s adaptation to MotoGP machinery doesn’t go as smoothly as expected, Miller could yet be in the frame for a retained seat or a strong reserve role.

What’s Next?

While a final decision may not come until later in the season, Miller’s public statements have made one thing clear – he’s not ready to leave the MotoGP spotlight just yet. Whether his next chapter continues with Yamaha at Pramac or sees him transition into another role within the Japanese brand, his passion remains unmistakable.

For now, he’ll shift focus back to the remainder of the 2025 MotoGP calendar, where he’ll look to continue proving his worth on the track.

But as far as Suzuka is concerned, Jack Miller has unfinished business.

“Next time, we come back stronger,” he concluded. “And we go for the win.”