Jack Miller Opens Up About Feeling “Inferior” Next to Toprak Razgatlioglu in MotoGP

The 2026 MotoGP season is already shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, and one of the biggest reasons is the surprise rider move that has set the paddock buzzing. Jack Miller has officially confirmed that he will remain with Pramac Racing for another year, but he will now share the garage with none other than Toprak Razgatlioglu, the two-time World Superbike Champion who is making the jump to MotoGP. The news has generated excitement, curiosity, and even a bit of humor — especially from Miller himself.

Ahead of the Catalan Grand Prix, Yamaha confirmed that Pramac Racing would field a powerful new line-up, pairing the experienced Australian with one of the most exciting talents from World Superbikes. For Miller, it is not just another team-mate announcement — it’s a partnership that he believes will bring fresh energy to the team, while also challenging him in unexpected ways.

A Surprise Move in the Rider Market

When Yamaha announced its intent to bring Toprak Razgatlioglu into MotoGP, the news shocked many within the sport. Razgatlioglu has built a reputation as a hard-charging, stylish, and technically gifted rider in World Superbikes. His ability to combine aggressive corner entries with jaw-dropping braking performances has made him a fan favorite and a consistent threat on any given weekend.

By signing Razgatlioglu to Pramac, Yamaha demonstrated that it’s serious about reinvigorating its satellite operations and injecting new talent into the premier class. For Jack Miller, who has already been part of multiple factory projects and seen how crucial team dynamics can be, this move represents both a challenge and an opportunity.

Miller’s Playful “Inferior Feeling”

Speaking to MotoGP’s Gear Up show ahead of the Catalan Grand Prix, Miller openly discussed what it means to have Toprak as his new team-mate. But true to his easygoing personality, Miller chose to highlight the humorous side of things first.

“It’s unreal to share a box with Toprak,” Miller said with a grin. “He’s a legend already and it’s awesome to see what he’s going to do over here in MotoGP. I’ve said it a couple of times, but it’s the first time I’ll be sharing the box with someone who can do a better ‘stoppie’ than me. So, I’ve got an inferior feeling in the box already! But, no, it will be awesome. Some good positive energy from the both of us for the project, which is what it needs.”

This comment reflects Miller’s trademark humor and laid-back approach to racing life. The Australian is well-known for keeping the mood light in the paddock, often injecting levity into otherwise intense discussions. But beneath the jokes lies a genuine sense of respect for Razgatlioglu’s abilities.

Respect Between Riders

Miller didn’t stop at humor. He made sure to highlight Razgatlioglu’s character, pointing out that his new team-mate isn’t just a talented rider but also a genuinely good person — something that can make a big difference in the high-pressure environment of MotoGP.

“I will say, he’s one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met,” Miller added. “Whenever he has popped by the MotoGP paddock he’s always gone out his way to say ‘g’day’ and stuff like that. And I appreciate that. He’s a genuine bloke. Anyone in our paddock that’s worked with him in Superbikes has nothing but good things to say about him. So, I think he will be a nice addition to the MotoGP grid.”

In a sport where mental preparation, trust, and team spirit can often separate winners from the rest, the bond between riders in the same team can shape the season ahead. Miller’s comments suggest that he already feels confident that Razgatlioglu’s personality will mesh well with Pramac’s culture — a blend of professionalism and friendly camaraderie that has long been one of the team’s strengths.

What Razgatlioglu Brings to MotoGP

Toprak Razgatlioglu’s move to MotoGP has been widely discussed, with fans and pundits alike speculating how his World Superbike riding style will translate to the unique demands of Grand Prix machinery. Razgatlioglu is renowned for his late-braking heroics, incredible bike control, and the ability to push tires and setups to their absolute limits.

In 2025, Razgatlioglu has continued to dominate the Superbike scene, currently leading the championship by 39 points after a treble of wins in France. His performances have underscored why Yamaha made such a bold move to bring him to MotoGP — not just as a talent project, but as an immediate contender capable of shaking up the competitive order.

Many in the paddock believe Razgatlioglu’s unique skills could adapt quickly to the demands of MotoGP’s ultra-high-tech prototypes, particularly in braking zones where he has historically outperformed rivals in Superbikes. If he can translate that strength effectively, he could become a serious threat — perhaps even a title challenger — sooner rather than later.

A Fresh Start for Pramac and Yamaha

The Pramac Racing team has undergone significant transformation since becoming Yamaha’s satellite outfit. While historically linked with Ducati, Pramac’s new era with Yamaha represents a shift in philosophy and performance expectations. With Jack Miller’s experience and Toprak Razgatlioglu’s raw talent, Yamaha has effectively created a team capable of gathering vital data, pushing development, and scoring podiums consistently.

For Yamaha, which has faced performance gaps in recent seasons, revitalizing its satellite team could provide the competitive edge needed to challenge Ducati and KTM’s growing dominance. Both Miller and Razgatlioglu offer unique feedback styles, which could be crucial for Yamaha engineers working to refine their next-generation bikes.

The Road Ahead

As the 2026 season approaches, anticipation will continue to build around this unlikely but highly exciting partnership. Jack Miller’s proven track record in MotoGP — including multiple race wins and podiums across different teams — pairs well with Razgatlioglu’s explosive entry from Superbikes.

The duo represents a blend of experience and fresh perspective, humor and intensity, stability and raw ambition. If the chemistry on track matches the mutual respect off it, Pramac Racing could quickly become one of the most-watched teams of the year.

And for fans, the entertainment value of having two riders with such strong personalities sharing the same garage is almost guaranteed. From stoppie contests to late-braking battles in practice sessions, the combination of Miller and Razgatlioglu promises not only competitive racing but also the kind of stories that make MotoGP the thrilling spectacle it is.

In Miller’s own words, there might be an “inferior feeling” in terms of stoppie skills — but on race day, it’s unlikely that either rider will be anything less than a fierce competitor aiming for the front of the pack.