MotoGP’s ‘Textbook’ Rider Reveals He Waited for Pramac’s Call to Replace Jack Miller

The MotoGP rider market has been nothing short of chaotic heading into the 2026 season, with high-profile moves, unexpected exits, and internal team politics reshaping the grid. Among the most intriguing storylines is the situation at Pramac Racing, where uncertainty around their second rider led to weeks of speculation and tense negotiations. At the heart of this was Moto2 championship leader Manuel “Manu” Gonzalez, a rider described as “textbook” in his execution, who was reportedly waiting for a phone call that never came.

A Team in Transition: Yamaha, Pramac, and a Risky Gamble

The Tuscany-based Pramac outfit will enter 2026 with a significant shift in direction. Now a Yamaha satellite team after decades with Ducati, Pramac has already confirmed the blockbuster signing of Toprak Razgatlioglu from World Superbikes. The aggressive Turkish rider brings flamboyant racecraft and proven championship pedigree, but his arrival immediately placed both of the team’s current riders, Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira, in jeopardy.

Oliveira’s struggles in 2025 have been well-documented. With only 10 points to his name so far this season, Yamaha activated a performance clause that effectively opens the door for the Portuguese star to leave MotoGP altogether at the end of the year. Miller, meanwhile, has delivered more consistent performances but has grown visibly frustrated with the slow pace of contract discussions, describing Yamaha as considering “more and more” candidates, giving him the impression that the Japanese manufacturer no longer wanted him.

For weeks, the paddock buzzed with rumors that Pramac would make its rider announcement shortly after the summer break. Yet following the Hungarian Grand Prix, there was still no word. The silence intensified speculation that Yamaha was carefully evaluating alternatives behind the scenes, particularly as multiple Moto2 stars emerged as serious contenders.

Manu Gonzalez: The Call That Never Came

One name stood out among those linked to the seat: Manu Gonzalez. The 23-year-old Spaniard has been a revelation in the Moto2 class this season, not only leading the championship but also impressing with his adaptability, precision, and calm under pressure. Former World Superbike champion and MotoGP pundit Neil Hodgson even referred to Gonzalez as “textbook” during the Austrian GP, praising his riding style as near-perfect in execution.

According to Motorsport España, Gonzalez’s representative had been “awaiting a call from Pramac” about a potential MotoGP promotion. The expectation within his camp was that Yamaha, eager for fresh blood and a long-term project alongside Razgatlioglu, might take a calculated gamble by signing the rising star. Gonzalez had already drawn attention with a successful MotoGP test with Trackhouse Aprilia at Aragon, further fueling speculation that his graduation was only a matter of time.

However, the call never came. Instead, Gonzalez now appears poised to sign a new deal with Dynavolt Intact GP, securing his Moto2 future rather than making the leap to the premier class. The silence from Pramac served as an unspoken but definitive answer: they were sticking with experience over promise.

Yamaha Keeps Faith in Miller

While Yamaha evaluated its options, the decision ultimately swung back in favor of Jack Miller. Reports indicate that Japanese management pushed to keep the Australian rider, believing his extensive MotoGP experience and mechanical understanding would be crucial as Yamaha rolls out its long-awaited V4 engine later in 2026. Stability, in this case, outweighed potential.

Miller’s own teammate and former world champion Fabio Quartararo voiced his support for keeping Miller, stating that the Australian would be “very useful” during a period of technical transition. With Razgatlioglu still adapting to MotoGP machinery and the new engine set to debut mid-season, Yamaha needed at least one rider who could provide clear, experienced feedback while still pushing for competitive results.

This decision effectively closes the door on Gonzalez, at least for now, and serves as a reminder of how ruthless and unpredictable the MotoGP rider market can be. For every rising talent ready to seize an opportunity, there is an established rider with just enough leverage to hold on.

What It Means for Miller: A Final Chance

Miller’s retention may bring short-term relief, but it also places him under enormous pressure. His 2026 campaign will likely serve as a make-or-break season. He will need to outpace his rookie teammate, contribute to the rapid development of Yamaha’s V4 engine, and consistently deliver points-scoring finishes to justify a contract beyond next year.

Yamaha’s priorities are clear: transition successfully into a new technical era while maintaining competitiveness against the likes of Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia, all of whom have developed highly refined V4 machinery. If Miller fails to meet expectations, Yamaha will not hesitate to revisit younger options such as Gonzalez or even Diogo Moreira in 2027.

The 2026 MotoGP Grid: Taking Shape

With Miller’s situation seemingly resolved, the 2026 MotoGP grid is starting to settle. Here’s a look at how the current lineup is expected to look, with some unconfirmed contracts still in the works:

• Ducati: Marc Marquez, Francesco Bagnaia

• Gresini: Alex Marquez, Fermin Aldeguer

• VR46: Franco Morbidelli, Fabio di Giannantonio

• KTM: Pedro Acosta, Brad Binder

• Aprilia: Marco Bezzecchi, Jorge Martin

• Yamaha (Factory): Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins

• Tech3: Maverick Vinales, Enea Bastianini

• Trackhouse Aprilia: Raul Fernandez, Ai Ogura

• LCR Honda: Johann Zarco, Diogo Moreira (rumored)

• Honda (Factory): Luca Marini, Joan Mir

• Pramac Yamaha: Jack Miller, Toprak Razgatlioglu

Several notable confirmations have already been made. Franco Morbidelli secured a fresh deal with VR46, while Johann Zarco and Luca Marini have committed to Honda, with Zarco receiving a two-year LCR contract.

Looking Ahead: Opportunities Lost and Future Paths

For Manu Gonzalez, the waiting game may have ended in disappointment, but all signs point to a delayed—not derailed—MotoGP debut. His performance in Moto2, combined with glowing feedback from his MotoGP test, ensures he will remain on Yamaha’s radar. Should Miller falter, or should Razgatlioglu’s transition from Superbikes prove more challenging than expected, Gonzalez could yet be the natural successor waiting in the wings.

For Pramac, the decision to keep Miller reflects a cautious but understandable approach: balancing the promise of future potential with the immediate need for development stability. The MotoGP paddock thrives on calculated risks, but when major technical overhauls coincide with rider reshuffles, sometimes the safer bet is the one you already know.

As the 2026 season approaches, one thing is certain: MotoGP’s unpredictable blend of talent, timing, and team strategy will continue to keep fans guessing. In the case of Gonzalez, the lesson is a painful but familiar one in motorsport—sometimes, even when you’ve done everything right, the phone just doesn’t ring.