MotoGP in Texas: A Challenging Friday, But Jack Miller Maintains His Form and Proves He Still Belongs in the MotoGP Grid

The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Texas is widely regarded as one of the most demanding tracks on the MotoGP calendar. With its combination of tight corners, long straights, and drastic elevation changes, it presents a formidable challenge for every rider on the grid. Friday practice sessions at COTA often serve as an early indicator of how teams and riders will fare across the weekend, but this year’s session proved particularly tough due to unpredictable conditions. Amid the challenges, Jack Miller showcased his skill and resilience, reminding everyone why he still belongs in the premier class of motorcycle racing.

A Grueling Start at COTA

Friday’s practice sessions in Texas tested the endurance and adaptability of MotoGP riders. Unpredictable weather conditions created a mix of wet and dry patches across the circuit, making it difficult to maintain consistent lap times. Early in the session, many riders struggled to find grip, with some even going off track or suffering minor crashes. Marc Márquez, despite his aggressive riding style and familiarity with COTA, fell victim to these tricky conditions, suffering a crash in the morning session.

For Miller, however, the challenge was met with confidence. Having raced at COTA for several years across different manufacturers, he approached the practice sessions methodically, focusing on understanding tire wear and bike setup. His ability to navigate these difficult conditions reaffirmed his status as one of the most adaptable riders in MotoGP.

Jack Miller’s Consistent Performance

Jack Miller has built a reputation as one of the most consistent and hardworking riders on the grid. Despite facing numerous challenges in recent years, his ability to extract competitive lap times from any bike he rides has earned him widespread respect.

At COTA, he demonstrated his technical expertise and mental resilience. While other riders struggled with changing track conditions, Miller remained composed, gradually improving his lap times throughout the session. His ability to manage tire degradation and adjust his riding style accordingly allowed him to stay competitive.

Miller’s experience shone through as he clocked respectable lap times, placing himself among the top riders. His steady improvement during Friday’s sessions hinted at his potential for the race weekend, proving he remains a valuable asset to any team he represents.

Transition to Prima Pramac Yamaha Factory Team

The 2025 MotoGP season marked a new chapter in Jack Miller’s career as he transitioned to the Prima Pramac Yamaha Factory Team. This move came after a series of reshufflings in the MotoGP paddock, with Pramac ending its long-standing relationship with Ducati and joining forces with Yamaha.

Miller’s return to Pramac was met with excitement, as he had previously raced for the team between 2018 and 2020. During his earlier stint with Pramac, Miller secured multiple podium finishes and established himself as one of the most aggressive riders on the grid. Now, with Yamaha machinery at his disposal, he faces a fresh set of challenges as he adapts to a different bike philosophy.

Paolo Campinoti, CEO of Pramac and Team Principal of Prima Pramac Racing, expressed optimism about Miller’s return, emphasizing the team’s commitment to leveraging his experience. Miller’s familiarity with Pramac’s working environment and his knowledge of multiple bike manufacturers make him a crucial figure in Yamaha’s development project.

Challenges with KTM and the Decision to Move

Before his return to Pramac, Jack Miller spent two seasons with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. While his tenure with KTM had moments of promise, it was largely marked by inconsistency. The Austrian manufacturer made significant strides in performance, but Miller struggled to match the results he achieved with Ducati in previous years.

Despite his best efforts, Miller secured only one podium finish in the last two seasons. As KTM began looking toward younger talent, the decision was made not to renew his contract for the 2025 season. This sudden development left Miller searching for a competitive seat, eventually leading to his reunion with Pramac.

Miller’s departure from KTM was bittersweet. While he had a strong relationship with the team, the results didn’t meet expectations. However, his move to Yamaha gives him a fresh opportunity to prove his capabilities and reestablish himself as a frontrunner in MotoGP.

Adapting to the Yamaha YZR-M1

Transitioning to a new manufacturer is never easy, particularly in MotoGP, where even small differences in bike setup can have a significant impact on performance. For Jack Miller, adapting to the Yamaha YZR-M1 has been a learning experience.

The Yamaha M1 differs significantly from the KTM RC16 and the Ducati Desmosedici that Miller previously rode. Yamaha’s bike is known for its smooth power delivery, high corner speed, and precise handling, whereas KTM and Ducati machines rely more on aggressive braking and acceleration. This requires a shift in riding style, something Miller has been working on extensively in preseason testing and early race weekends.

Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing, acknowledged the challenges Miller faces but expressed confidence in his ability to adapt. Miller’s vast experience with multiple manufacturers gives him a unique perspective that could prove invaluable in Yamaha’s quest to return to the top of MotoGP.

The Competitive Landscape of MotoGP 2025

The 2025 MotoGP season has seen significant changes across the grid. With 12 rider changes and multiple team restructuring, the championship landscape looks different from previous years. Ducati remains the dominant force, having won 19 out of 20 races in 2024, but other manufacturers are working hard to close the gap.

Pramac’s switch to Yamaha adds another layer of intrigue to the championship. With Miller joining the team, Yamaha has a seasoned rider capable of pushing the M1 to its limits. His experience will be critical as Yamaha seeks to develop a more competitive package.

While Ducati’s dominance is undeniable, the battle for podiums and top finishes is more competitive than ever. Teams like Aprilia, KTM, and Honda are all making strides in performance, ensuring a tightly contested season.

Looking Ahead: Miller’s Aspirations

For Jack Miller, the move to Pramac Yamaha represents more than just a career shift; it’s a renewed opportunity to prove his worth in MotoGP. Despite facing setbacks, he remains one of the most skilled and determined riders on the grid.

His performance during Friday’s sessions at COTA was a testament to his resilience. While conditions were far from ideal, Miller’s ability to remain composed and deliver competitive lap times highlighted his experience and adaptability. As the season progresses, he aims to extract the best from the Yamaha YZR-M1 and challenge for podium finishes.

Conclusion

Jack Miller’s presence in MotoGP is a reminder of the sport’s unpredictable nature. From his early days in Moto3 to his stints with various manufacturers, he has always embraced challenges head-on. His ability to adapt to different machinery and conditions sets him apart as one of the most versatile riders in the sport.

While the 2025 season is still in its early stages, Miller’s performance at COTA signals that he is far from being written off. With Pramac and Yamaha backing him, he has the tools needed to fight at the front. Whether he can challenge for race wins remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Jack Miller still belongs on the MotoGP grid.