Jack Miller Drawn Into Chaos at COTA MotoGP: Pramac Doesn’t Hide Their Disappointment After a Dramatic Race

Jack Miller’s hopes for a successful COTA MotoGP Sprint race were crushed within the first few hundred meters. While Fabio Quartararo surged from eleventh to fourth at the start, Miller’s fate took a turn for the worse as he dropped from ninth to thirteenth due to an early issue. A broken wing and an off-track excursion only made matters worse, leaving him struggling to recover. In the end, Miller could only manage a disappointing fourteenth-place finish.

Pramac’s Disappointment: Borsoi Reacts to the Sprint Race

Reflecting on the race, Miller stated, “Unfortunately, at the start, I spun the rear tire too much, and it kept spinning all the way into Turn 1, where I found myself caught in the chaos. From that moment until the checkered flag, it was a tough battle with multiple incidents, including one that broke my right wing. Later, I ran wide after being caught in another rider’s slipstream, so I decided to take the longer line to stay out of trouble. It’s a shame because my race pace was strong, and our setup changes are heading in the right direction, which gives me more confidence. We’re getting closer step by step. Now, we need a strong start tomorrow to fight at the front.”

1. Pramac Expected More from Miller

Pramac Racing’s Team Director, Gino Borsoi, did not hide his disappointment with the result, particularly in contrast to Fabio Quartararo’s performance. The French rider delivered Yamaha’s best result of the season by securing sixth place, which highlighted the missed opportunity for Miller.

“I cannot hide my disappointment because, after Jack’s impressive performance in practice, I expected a more competitive Sprint race, especially considering how well Fabio Quartararo performed. His result proves that the YZR-M1 is competitive on this circuit,” Borsoi said. “Jack had similar speed to Quartararo all week, so our expectations were high. Unfortunately, a tough start and a heavy first-lap collision set him back. Then, in his attempt to recover, he made a mistake that ended any chance of fighting for points.”

2. High Hopes for the Grand Prix Race

Despite the disappointing outcome, Borsoi emphasized that Jack Miller had the pace to fight for a better result. His performance in the second half of the Sprint race suggested he could have finished much higher if not for the early setbacks.

“It’s a pity because his speed in the latter part of the race showed he had the potential for a strong result,” Borsoi added. “Now, we are looking forward to making a comeback in tomorrow’s Grand Prix race, where a good start will be crucial.”

Augusto Fernandez’s First MotoGP Race for Yamaha

While Miller had a difficult race, his temporary teammate Augusto Fernandez, who replaced the injured Miguel Oliveira, also faced a challenging debut on the Yamaha.

“The conditions made it a tough day, even more so because it was my first time riding in dry conditions this weekend after Friday’s rain,” said Augusto Fernandez, a former KTM rider. “My main goal was to build confidence with the M1, session by session—or even lap by lap. There’s a big difference between testing for development and actually racing in a Grand Prix.”

Fernandez acknowledged that while he could not expect immediate standout results, his primary focus was on gathering valuable experience and data.

“I have to be patient, work on improving my pace steadily, and avoid making mistakes. Although I can’t aim for spectacular results right now, I need to maximize track time, finish the race, and collect as much data as possible. So far, that’s exactly what I’ve been doing.”

What This Means for Jack Miller and Pramac Racing

1. A Season of Struggles for Miller

Jack Miller’s performance at COTA MotoGP highlighted the inconsistency that has plagued his 2025 campaign. While his raw speed remains evident, small mistakes and misfortunes have prevented him from capitalizing on his potential. With Quartararo proving that Yamaha can be competitive on certain tracks, the pressure is on Miller to convert his strong pace into solid results.

2. Pramac’s Growing Frustration

Pramac Racing has invested heavily in Miller, expecting him to deliver strong finishes. However, his struggles have left the team questioning whether he can consistently challenge for top positions. With MotoGP becoming more competitive each season, every missed opportunity could prove costly.

3. The Path Forward: Redemption in the Grand Prix

All eyes will be on Miller in the upcoming Grand Prix race. A clean start and a trouble-free race could see him fight inside the top ten. If he can replicate the pace he showed in the second half of the Sprint, he may still turn the weekend around.

Final Thoughts: Can Miller Turn His Season Around?

Jack Miller’s COTA MotoGP Sprint race was a frustrating affair, marked by an unfortunate start, a broken wing, and off-track excursions. However, his raw speed remains evident, and if he can put together a strong race in the Grand Prix, he could still salvage his weekend.

For Pramac Racing, the disappointment is understandable, but they also recognize the potential Miller possesses. A strong showing in the main race could rebuild confidence and provide momentum moving forward.

As the MotoGP season progresses, Miller must prove that he can overcome these setbacks and consistently challenge for top positions. His next opportunity comes in the Grand Prix, where redemption is on the line. Will he rise to the occasion, or will the struggles continue? The answer will unfold on race day.