Dall’Igna Hints at Bringing Jack Miller Back to Ducati If He Loses Pramac Seat

Jack Miller is entering one of the most crucial phases of his career as he battles for the final remaining seat in Yamaha’s MotoGP roster for 2026. The recent confirmation that two-time World Superbike champion Toprak Razgatlioglu will join Yamaha has intensified the pressure, as his signing guarantees that one of the current Pramac Yamaha riders will be pushed aside. That leaves Miller locked in a fight with Miguel Oliveira, and potentially with rising stars from Moto2, for his racing future.

The Australian rider finds himself in a precarious position despite showing flashes of form. On paper, Miller has had the upper hand over Oliveira this season. In competitive sessions where both riders were classified, Miller leads 18-2, showcasing consistency and pace. However, Oliveira’s injury problems partly explain his 46-point deficit in the standings. Even so, Oliveira has not met a key performance clause in his contract, which means his second year is not guaranteed. That uncertainty should work in Miller’s favor, but Yamaha are also weighing external options – most notably Diogo Moreira, one of Moto2’s brightest young talents.

Factory Yamaha Complications and Rins’ Future

There was speculation earlier this summer that Miller could replace Alex Rins at the Yamaha factory team, with the Spaniard struggling to meet expectations. However, Rins has been adamant that his contract is secure for 2026, and Yamaha executive Paolo Pavesio has publicly confirmed that stance. This leaves Miller with limited options within the Yamaha structure, making the Pramac seat his only realistic MotoGP opportunity for next year.

The uncertainty has clearly unsettled Miller. At the Red Bull Ring in Austria, he admitted that the ongoing silence from Yamaha was “worrying,” especially as reports from the paddock suggest that both he and Oliveira are left in the dark. A report from GPOne indicated that “the silence worries the two riders,” reflecting how critical the upcoming double-header in Austria and Hungary will be for Yamaha’s decision-making process.

Ducati Superbike Opportunity as Plan-B

If Yamaha decide to move forward with Oliveira or take a gamble on Moreira, Miller does have a strong fallback option. Ducati boss Luigi Dall’Igna has made it clear that he “wouldn’t think twice” about offering Miller a factory World Superbike Championship seat alongside Nicolo Bulega.

This alternative would reunite Miller with Ducati, a manufacturer he knows well from his factory stint in 2021 and 2022, where he collected three Grand Prix victories and 12 podiums. While Miller has always insisted his heart lies in MotoGP, the WSBK offer would at least keep him at the sharp end of motorcycle racing if Yamaha decides to move in a different direction.

The VR46 Ducati team could also be an option, with Franco Morbidelli out of contract. However, team owner Valentino Rossi has resisted outside influence over his line-up and is unlikely to allow Dall’Igna to dictate rider choices. That makes WSBK the more realistic “Plan-B” for Miller.

The Diogo Moreira Factor

Perhaps the biggest wildcard in Yamaha’s decision is Diogo Moreira. The 20-year-old Brazilian has emerged as one of the hottest names in the Moto2 paddock, currently sitting fourth in the standings. With one win, three pole positions, and four podiums in just 31 races, Moreira is showing signs of being a generational talent.

Moreira’s commercial appeal also works in his favor. With Brazil returning to the MotoGP calendar, Yamaha sees the marketing potential of fielding a young Brazilian star in their line-up. This could tip the scales against Miller or Oliveira, particularly if Yamaha want to invest in long-term future success.

However, not everyone believes Moreira should make the jump just yet. Italtrans team boss Roberto Brivio, who currently oversees Moreira, noted: “It’s true that he’s won two races and is very young. Perhaps another year in Moto2 could help him develop, but you can’t miss certain opportunities, because you never know what might happen in a year.”

Adding to the intrigue, Moreira has also been linked with LCR Honda as a possible replacement for Somkiat Chantra. While Idemitsu, the team’s major sponsor, may prefer to keep Chantra on the grid for commercial reasons, Moreira’s rise means he will almost certainly land in MotoGP sooner rather than later.

Miller’s Next Few Weeks Are Crucial

With Yamaha delaying their announcement multiple times, the next two rounds in Austria and Hungary could determine Miller’s future. Strong results will be vital if he wants to keep his MotoGP career alive. While his experience, proven race pace, and resilience under pressure are undeniable, Yamaha’s interest in Moreira introduces a level of unpredictability that Miller cannot control.

If Yamaha opt for youth over experience, Miller could be forced into the WSBK switch earlier than he had ever planned. Yet, if he can deliver standout performances in the coming weeks, the Australian may well secure one final chapter in MotoGP before handing the baton to the next generation.

Conclusion

Jack Miller’s MotoGP career hangs in the balance as Yamaha weigh their options for 2026. Locked in competition with Miguel Oliveira and facing the looming shadow of Diogo Moreira’s rise, Miller must prove his worth immediately to avoid being edged out. While he has a strong backup plan with Ducati in World Superbikes, Miller’s heart remains in MotoGP. The next two races could define whether he stays in the premier class or begins a new chapter elsewhere.