Jack Miller to Compete in Austrian MotoGP After Finishing Runner-Up at Suzuka 8 Hours

After a brief but intense break from the MotoGP paddock, Jack Miller is back in action this weekend for the Austrian Grand Prix, fresh from an impressive second-place finish in the Suzuka 8 Hours. The Australian rider has had little time to rest after his endurance race exploits in Japan, but he arrives at the Red Bull Ring with renewed energy, high motivation, and fond memories of past success at this circuit.

From Suzuka Podium to Austrian GP Focus

The 2025 MotoGP season resumes after the summer break, but for Miller, downtime was in short supply. Instead of heading for a beach holiday like many of his rivals, Miller represented Yamaha in the legendary Suzuka 8 Hours, teaming up with Andrea Locatelli and Katsuyuki Nakasuga. The trio finished as runners-up, narrowly missing out on victory to the HRC pairing of Johann Zarco and Takumi Takahashi.

“The Suzuka 8 Hours has been a fantastic experience and to share the Yamaha with Nakasuga-san and Locatelli was wonderful. I wanted to win, but we were up against strong competition,” Miller reflected. “This was my second time riding in the 8 Hours, and I got on the podium [after a fourth place with Honda in 2017]. I definitely want to participate again as a Yamaha rider and get my hands on that big trophy.”

Despite the exhausting schedule, Miller says he’s ready to switch focus back to the World Championship. “It’s true that racing in Japan didn’t leave me much time for a vacation, but now it’s time to focus on the Austrian GP,” he said.

A Special Connection with the Red Bull Ring

The Red Bull Ring has been a happy hunting ground for Miller throughout his career. As a Ducati rider, he claimed three MotoGP podiums there in 2020 and 2022. Even after moving to KTM, he kept up strong performances, finishing fifth in the Sprints in both 2023 and 2024.

“I’m feeling very motivated. The Red Bull Ring is a track I really like and where I’ve had some good results in the past,” the Australian explained. “I’m curious to see how the Yamaha will perform there. Hopefully, we’ll be competitive right away and able to fight for some good points.”

This year’s challenge will be different. The YZR-M1 is not traditionally known for excelling on circuits with long straights and heavy braking zones, but Miller believes recent technical improvements could make a difference.

MotoGP Future Still Uncertain

While Miller’s attention is on the immediate task at hand, speculation continues about his future. He is on a one-year deal with Pramac Yamaha for 2025, and the team has yet to confirm who will partner Toprak Razgatlioglu in the garage for 2026. This uncertainty mirrors the situation of his teammate, Miguel Oliveira, who is also awaiting news on his contract.

For Miller, strong performances in the second half of the season could play a crucial role in securing his place on the grid next year. A good result in Austria, a track that suits his aggressive riding style, would certainly strengthen his case.

Oliveira’s Motivation After Tough Run

Miguel Oliveira has had a challenging season so far. The Portuguese rider missed three early rounds due to injury and endured a rough patch before the summer break, with three consecutive pointless GP weekends. However, Oliveira used the time off to recharge mentally and physically.

“The last couple of races were tough, I won’t hide that, but I’m confident we can achieve good results both in Austria and Hungary,” he said. “They’ll be two very different challenges – one is a track we don’t know, and the other is, on paper, a bit tough for Yamaha – but we’re optimistic.”

Oliveira has his own history at the Red Bull Ring, famously denying Miller victory in the 2020 Styrian GP after a dramatic last-corner battle that also involved Pol Espargaro. That win remains one of the most memorable moments of his career, and it’s a reminder that he can be a serious threat when the conditions suit him.

Championship Standings and the Road Ahead

With ten rounds to go in the 2025 season, Fabio Quartararo remains Yamaha’s top rider in ninth place overall. Miller sits 14th, while Oliveira is further back in 25th. Alex Rins, riding for the factory Yamaha squad, holds 18th place.

Although Yamaha has never won at the Red Bull Ring since it rejoined the MotoGP calendar in 2016, there is optimism within the team. Pramac team director Gino Borsoi admitted the circuit is not ideal for their bike’s strengths but believes there is reason for hope.

“It’s a track that, on paper, isn’t the easiest for us at Yamaha, given its long straights and many hard acceleration zones. That said, it’s also true that the YZR-M1 has made progress during this period, so it’s reasonable to expect some improvements,” Borsoi said.

A Weekend of High Stakes

The Austrian GP will be crucial for both Miller and Oliveira. With their futures not yet decided, every race is a chance to prove their worth and secure a competitive seat for 2026. For Yamaha, it’s also an opportunity to test their improvements against one of the toughest tracks for their package.

For Miller, the challenge is to carry over the momentum from Suzuka into MotoGP, showing that his endurance race form can translate into short, intense battles at the highest level. For Oliveira, it’s about bouncing back from a difficult run and proving that he can still deliver top-tier results.

The Red Bull Ring has produced some of the most dramatic moments in recent MotoGP history, from last-lap overtakes to chaotic wet-dry races. With both Yamaha riders eager to make a statement, fans can expect another thrilling chapter this weekend.