Jack Miller, now a key rider for Pramac Racing at Yamaha in the 2025 MotoGP season, has made headlines with his strong stance on Yamaha’s engine philosophy. While speculation swirls around a possible switch to a V4 engine to match rivals like Ducati and Honda, Miller remains steadfast in his belief that the inline-four engine still has untapped potential. His recent comments have sparked renewed debate about the future direction of Yamaha’s MotoGP project and whether following the trend toward V4 engines is truly the right path.

Jack Miller’s Bold Statement: “The Inline-Four is Far from Finished”

Jack Miller didn’t hold back in expressing his confidence in the Yamaha inline-four engine, despite its struggles in recent years. In an interview with Crash.net, the Australian rider defended the configuration, pointing to Yamaha’s past successes.

“This engine won races in 2020 and 2021 with Fabio Quartararo,” Miller emphasized. “Saying that it’s finished is ridiculous. There’s still a lot we can extract from it. Just because most teams are running a V4 doesn’t mean that’s the only way to win.”

Miller’s assertion directly challenges the notion that Yamaha’s current struggles stem from the inline-four layout itself. Instead, he believes that with proper development, the engine can still be a winning force in MotoGP.

Advantages of the Yamaha Inline-Four Configuration

One of the biggest concerns surrounding Yamaha’s inline-four engine is its power deficit compared to the dominant V4 engines of Ducati, KTM, Honda, and Aprilia. However, Miller outlined key advantages that could make the configuration competitive if optimized correctly.

“There are positives to this engine,” Miller stated. “The center of gravity and placement of the fuel tank are really well-balanced. Having the engine’s width might be a challenge, but not having to deal with cylinders extending below allows us to place things lower. That’s a real advantage.”

Miller also dismissed the notion that Yamaha should blindly follow the trend of V4 engines. “In racing, people tend to copy what’s working at the moment. Look at Moto2—everyone followed Kalex. That doesn’t mean it’s the only way. Yamaha has been developing this engine for years; they know it better than anyone.”

Yamaha’s Commitment to Development: A New Approach

While acknowledging the struggles Yamaha has faced in recent seasons, Miller remains optimistic about the manufacturer’s approach. He believes that Yamaha is taking a more systematic and structured path to improvement, rather than making knee-jerk reactions.

“The team is tackling the issues differently this time,” Miller explained. “They’re making sure they understand every single factor before making changes. You don’t just abandon a concept because others are doing something different. Yamaha is being smart about this.”

One area where Miller sees significant progress is in Yamaha’s testing program. The manufacturer has enlisted experienced test riders such as Andrea Dovizioso and Augusto Fernandez, alongside Cal Crutchlow. Miller praised the team’s commitment to refining the M1 rather than overhauling it completely.

“They have an incredible test team,” Miller said. “Dovi brings years of experience, Augusto has great enthusiasm, and Cal is recovering from his injury but still providing input. This combination means Yamaha is approaching development with a well-rounded perspective.”

Miller’s Role at Yamaha and Collaboration with Factory Riders

Even as a satellite team rider for Pramac Racing, Miller feels deeply integrated into Yamaha’s broader MotoGP project. Unlike in previous years, where satellite teams were sometimes kept at arm’s length from factory development, Miller describes a much more collaborative environment.

“In the past, Yamaha was pretty closed off with factory vs. satellite development,” Miller explained. “That’s changed completely. Now, everything is aligned. We’re working on the same testing program, getting the same parts, and helping each other improve.”

Miller sees himself playing a pivotal role in testing and refining new components before they are introduced into race settings.

“I test a chassis, then pass it to the factory guys to get their feedback, and we go from there,” Miller detailed. “This structured approach is what we need to make sure we’re improving step by step.”

Can Yamaha Compete Against the V4 Giants?

With Ducati’s dominance in recent years, along with the rise of KTM and Aprilia, some critics argue that Yamaha’s best bet would be to abandon the inline-four concept in favor of a V4 engine. However, Miller strongly disagrees with this sentiment, arguing that Yamaha has all the necessary ingredients for success—they just need time to refine them.

“They have everything they need,” Miller said. “They have the right people, the right approach, and now, a clear path forward. The only thing missing is time. MotoGP is about chasing tenths of a second, not whole seconds. We’re close, but making up that last little bit is the hardest part.”

Miller also highlighted that Yamaha’s adaptability will be crucial in keeping them competitive. “It’s not just about the engine,” he noted. “Aerodynamics, chassis design, electronics—there’s a lot to consider. The inline-four might be different, but that doesn’t mean it’s worse. If we maximize everything else, we can still fight at the front.”

The Future of Yamaha in MotoGP: A New Era?

While rumors persist that Yamaha is indeed working on a V4 engine for the future, Miller’s comments reflect a more immediate priority—making the most of the current inline-four platform. His belief in Yamaha’s ability to extract more performance from the existing configuration shows that not everyone is convinced that a switch is necessary.

Moreover, Yamaha’s renewed commitment to collaboration, structured development, and leveraging experienced test riders signals a shift in their approach. Gone are the days of isolated development; the manufacturer is now fully embracing a team-oriented strategy to climb back to the top.

For Miller, joining Yamaha represents an opportunity to be part of something special—a revival of one of MotoGP’s most storied brands. “Yamaha isn’t done,” he said with confidence. “This is just the beginning of a new era.”

Conclusion: Will Yamaha’s Inline-Four Philosophy Prevail?

Jack Miller’s bold stance on Yamaha’s inline-four engine has reignited the debate about whether the manufacturer should stick to its roots or follow the industry trend toward V4 engines. His arguments highlight that while Yamaha faces challenges, dismissing the inline-four as obsolete would be premature. With a talented development team, structured testing, and renewed cooperation between factory and satellite teams, Yamaha is positioning itself for a resurgence.

Whether or not Yamaha ultimately transitions to a V4 engine, one thing is clear—Miller and the team are not giving up on the M1 just yet. With his experience and Yamaha’s commitment to refining its strengths, the battle to return to MotoGP glory is far from over.