Jack Miller’s First Day of Disaster: crash at the final turn and equipment failure

Jack Miller’s opening day at the 2025 Italian MotoGP was anything but smooth. The Pramac Yamaha rider faced a combination of misfortune and mechanical woes that hindered his performance just when it mattered most. A final-turn crash and a malfunctioning ride-height device on his second bike meant he finished Friday outside the all-important top ten – leaving him with the uphill task of navigating Q1 to reach Qualifying 2.

Despite the setbacks, Miller remains optimistic. His strong showing in Free Practice 1 (FP1) and technical improvements on the Yamaha M1 offer hope that Saturday could bring redemption at Mugello.

Strong Start: Jack Miller Shines in FP1

Miller’s weekend began with encouraging signs. The Australian posted the 11th-fastest time in FP1, showing improved stability and traction on his factory-supported Yamaha. With Mugello being a track that demands high-speed stability and strong exit grip, Miller’s initial pace gave the Pramac Yamaha team a reason to be hopeful.

“We felt really good this morning. The bike responded well, especially through the high-speed changes of direction,” Miller said.

Miller has often been known for his ability to adapt quickly to different conditions, and on Friday morning, that talent was on full display. But MotoGP weekends aren’t decided in the morning – it’s FP2 that carries the real weight, determining who earns direct access to Qualifying 2 (Q2).

Disaster Strikes in FP2: Final Turn Crash Ends Progress

As FP2 began, all eyes were on the timesheets. With temperatures rising and grip levels fluctuating, riders had to time their runs perfectly. Unfortunately for Miller, his critical time attack ended in disaster when he crashed at the final turn, ruining what could have been a top-ten lap.

“I’m sorry about the crash, it definitely affected the good work we’d been doing,” Miller admitted afterward. “Thankfully I didn’t injure myself – just took a hit to the butt, which is odd since I landed more face-first!”

The crash was a significant blow not just physically, but mentally. The final sector of Mugello is notoriously tricky, with riders pushing the limits through the fast right-hand Arrabbiata corners and into the downhill braking zone at the final bend. For Miller, losing a fast lap in that moment was devastating.

Ride-Height Device Failure Adds to the Headache

As if the crash wasn’t enough, things went from bad to worse when Miller switched to his second bike. His backup machine suffered a ride-height device issue, which left him unable to maximize corner exit performance and stability under braking.

“On the second bike, we had a small issue with the ride-height device not working properly, which also cost us something,” Miller explained.

In modern MotoGP, ride-height devices are crucial for maximizing acceleration and stability. These systems lower the rear of the bike to reduce wheelies and improve grip – essential at Mugello, where top speed and drive out of corners play such a vital role.

The glitch meant Miller was unable to fully utilize the power and balance of his Yamaha, missing out on a chance to rebound from the earlier crash.

Team Principal Gino Borsoi: “Crash Likely Cost Q2 Entry”

Gino Borsoi, the Pramac Yamaha team director, was candid in his post-session comments. While proud of Miller’s pace, he acknowledged the crash likely eliminated any chance of direct entry into Q2.

“Jack’s crash probably cost him the chance to go straight into Q2,” Borsoi said. “His FP1 pace suggests he can fight through Q1 tomorrow – we’ve got the data to back that up.”

The confidence from the team indicates they believe the underlying speed is there. With only 0.807s separating Miller from Friday leader Maverick Viñales, the gap is small – but in MotoGP, it’s the difference between pole contention and early elimination.

Signs of Progress on the Yamaha M1

Despite the frustration, there were notable positives from Friday’s running. The Yamaha M1, long criticized for its lack of rear grip and corner exit speed, seems to have made strides in both stability and traction.

“Overall, the bike is working well. We’re still struggling a bit with front-end feel under braking, but after the work done in testing, stability has improved and so has traction – historically our biggest issue,” Miller noted.

These improvements are a welcome development for Miller and Yamaha. In recent years, the M1 has lagged behind the Ducatis and KTMs on straight-line speed and acceleration. But Miller’s feedback points to a better-balanced machine that could be more competitive across race distance.

The Front-End Feel: One Last Puzzle Piece

While traction and stability have taken a step forward, front-end confidence under braking remains a concern. Mugello features several heavy braking zones – including Turn 1 at the end of the 1.1km front straight, where riders approach at over 350 km/h.

Miller, known for his late-braking style, thrives when he has complete trust in the front end. Without that, he’s unable to push the limit into corners – a key element in Mugello lap time.

“If we can fix that one small problem – and the guys in the box already have a few ideas – I think we can do well,” Miller said.

The team will now work overnight to refine the front-end setup, possibly adjusting fork settings, trail, or weight distribution. Every minor improvement counts when just 0.8 seconds separate 1st from 13th.

Q1 Awaits: The Pressure Is On

Miller will now face Qualifying 1 (Q1) on Saturday – a cutthroat 15-minute session where only the top two riders advance to Q2. With the level of competition in 2025 higher than ever, Q1 often features unexpected names and brutal eliminations.

But Miller’s optimism and experience make him a strong candidate to bounce back.

“We’ve got the speed – it’s just a matter of putting it all together. If the team can sort the ride-height issue and we keep things clean, I’m confident we’ll be in the fight,” he said.

MotoGP Grid Tighter Than Ever

One major theme of the 2025 season has been the incredible parity across manufacturers and riders. Friday’s results once again confirmed it: multiple manufacturers in the top ten, with rookies and veterans alike split by fractions of a second.

Miller’s 13th place might look disappointing on paper, but when the gap to P1 is less than a second, it speaks to the depth of talent and how one crash or glitch can drastically change the narrative.

Pramac Yamaha’s Broader Goals

For Pramac Yamaha, the partnership is still relatively new – 2025 marks only the second season of their collaboration. While results haven’t come easily, both sides have remained committed to building a competitive package.

Miller’s feedback has been instrumental in helping Yamaha address long-standing weaknesses, particularly in areas where Ducati and KTM have had an edge. Now, with real progress in stability and traction, Pramac hopes Miller can lead the charge in turning development into results.

Can Miller Turn It Around on Saturday?

All eyes will now be on Miller as he takes to the Mugello circuit for Free Practice 3 and Q1. The margin for error is razor-thin, but if the Australian can deliver a clean lap and his crew finds the right setup fix, a return to Q2 – and perhaps a top-eight grid slot – isn’t out of reach.

For a rider who has faced plenty of adversity in his MotoGP career, Friday’s drama was just another chapter. The real story will be written on Saturday, and Miller has every intention of flipping the script.

Conclusion: Grit, Speed, and the Quest for Redemption

Jack Miller’s Day 1 at the 2025 Italian Grand Prix was filled with challenges – from a high-speed crash to mechanical gremlins – but it also revealed a fighting spirit and a more competitive Yamaha. While he’ll need to claw his way through Q1, the Aussie’s determination and technical insights suggest he’s not done yet.

With strong support from his Pramac Yamaha team, a touch of setup refinement, and a bit of Saturday magic, Jack Miller could yet emerge as a dark horse contender at Mugello.