Jack Miller Reveals the Secret of the New Yamaha Engine: ‘Almost Perfect as Requested!’

Jack Miller has never been one to hold back, and during the 2025 MotoGP paddock briefing at Jerez, he dropped what might be the most important revelation yet about Yamaha’s transformation: the new YZR-M1 engine is “almost perfect”—exactly what riders have long been pleading for. With Yamaha’s recent slump raising questions about their future, Miller’s endorsement of the engine could mark a major turning point for the iconic Japanese brand.

The Secret Behind Yamaha’s Engine Evolution

Yamaha has spent the last few seasons grappling with power deficits, especially on long straights where rivals like Ducati and KTM have dominated. But now, Miller claims that the latest Yamaha engine development has finally addressed the most critical rider concerns: acceleration, torque delivery, and throttle responsiveness.

According to Miller, the new YZR-M1 engine “doesn’t fight you anymore.” It’s smoother out of corners, gives more confidence in overtaking zones, and most importantly, doesn’t punish riders on the exit. This kind of praise from a rider known for his blunt assessments suggests Yamaha engineers have finally nailed the formula.

Jack Miller’s Testing Role and Honest Feedback

Since joining the Yamaha test team, Jack Miller has been instrumental in shaping the new power unit. His style—aggressive, feedback-driven, and high-risk—makes him the perfect rider to push machinery to its limits. Miller revealed that he was allowed to test the engine under full race load conditions and described it as “as close to perfect as you can get for what we asked.”

The Australian star was especially impressed by the engine’s consistency over race distance. “No overheating, no late-race drop-off,” Miller said. “You twist the throttle, and it responds the same in Lap 2 as it does in Lap 20.”

Power with Control: How Yamaha Hit the Sweet Spot

What separates the 2025 YZR-M1 engine from previous iterations is its balance between power and control. In earlier versions, Yamaha’s engine either lacked punch or delivered it in a way that made the rear unstable. This year’s engine delivers seamless acceleration while preserving tire grip and rear-end stability.

Miller also pointed out that the electronics package finally complements the engine output. “The electronics aren’t fighting the rider anymore—they’re working with you now,” he emphasized. The refined traction control and engine braking systems allow the bike to stay composed during aggressive maneuvers.

Implications for Factory Riders Like Fabio Quartararo

Fabio Quartararo, who has suffered through years of underpowered engines, will be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the new power unit. With this latest update, Yamaha may have just given him the tool he needs to rejoin the MotoGP title fight.

Miller acknowledged that this engine was developed not just for test data but with Quartararo and Alex Rins in mind. “The idea was to give Fabio and Rins a fighting chance,” said Miller. “I think we’ve done that.”

If the engine proves successful in race conditions, it could not only rejuvenate Quartararo’s season but also restore Yamaha’s image as a premier MotoGP powerhouse.

Technical Highlights: What’s New in the 2025 YZR-M1 Engine

• Higher rev ceiling: Improved top-end speed to match Ducati and Aprilia.

• Redesigned air intake system: For better throttle response.

• Compact combustion chamber: Optimized for more efficient power delivery.

• Lighter internal components: Reduces friction and boosts acceleration.

• Improved cooling system: Ensures stability during hot races.

These upgrades are not just paper specs. According to Miller, they produce “real-world gains” that riders can feel immediately, especially during race simulations.

A Cultural Shift Inside Yamaha’s Garage

Beyond hardware, Miller highlighted a more important change: Yamaha is finally listening. He emphasized that the engineers are more open to rider feedback and willing to make changes based on real rider needs rather than theoretical data.

“They stopped treating us like robots,” Miller quipped. This cultural shift at Yamaha has created better synergy between riders and technicians, which may be the true catalyst behind the improved performance.

The Road Ahead: Can Yamaha Challenge the Giants Again?

While Miller’s glowing review is promising, the real test will be how the new engine performs under Grand Prix pressure. With Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia still boasting strong packages, Yamaha will need more than just an engine—they’ll need results.

But Miller believes Yamaha is ready. “We’re back in the fight,” he said with confidence. The team will debut the updated YZR-M1 at the French GP, where all eyes will be on Quartararo and Rins to see if the hype holds up.

If the engine performs as Miller claims, Yamaha could emerge as a dark horse in the 2025 championship, turning years of pain into a dramatic comeback.

Conclusion: Miller’s Revelation Marks a New Era

Jack Miller’s candid praise for the new YZR-M1 engine is more than just a headline—it could be the harbinger of a Yamaha revival. With riders now trusting their machines, and engineers finally closing the power gap, the 2025 season may witness a rejuvenated Yamaha squad ready to topple the dominant forces of MotoGP.

And if Miller’s statement holds true—”almost perfect as requested”—then perhaps perfection isn’t far off. Yamaha’s journey back to the top might just begin with the twist of this new throttle.