Pramac Boss Reveals the Truth Behind What Saved Jack Miller’s MotoGP Seat

The 2025 MotoGP season has been a rollercoaster for Jack Miller, but the Australian rider now has clarity about his future. Despite months of uncertainty, Yamaha confirmed Miller would remain central to their new V4 engine project, ensuring his place on the grid until at least the 2026 season. According to Pramac Racing boss Gino Borsoi, what truly saved Miller from losing his seat was not only his experience but also his superior championship standings compared to teammate Miguel Oliveira.

For nearly two-thirds of the season, Miller’s career was hanging by a thread. Out of contract at the end of the year, he faced a difficult situation when Yamaha signed Toprak Razgatlioglu to their satellite team for 2026. With Oliveira still under contract until 2026, it seemed that Miller would be the one left without a ride. However, circumstances inside and outside the paddock dramatically shifted the situation in his favor.

Yamaha’s Gamble with the New V4 Engine

The introduction of the Yamaha V4 engine at Misano’s San Marino Grand Prix was a turning point for the factory’s MotoGP project. Yamaha, long known for its inline-four philosophy, made a bold move by switching to a V4 configuration in an attempt to match Ducati and Aprilia’s superior acceleration and power delivery. For this ambitious step, Yamaha needed a rider with proven experience, resilience, and adaptability.

Miller, a rider who has previously competed on Honda, Ducati, and KTM machinery, fit the bill perfectly. His wide-ranging experience across different manufacturers and engine formats made him the ideal candidate to help Yamaha develop the V4 package. While his results in 2025 have not always been spectacular, they have been steady enough to underline his value to the team.

Miguel Oliveira’s Contract Complications

The real dilemma for Yamaha came down to contract structures. Miguel Oliveira had signed a deal through 2026, while Miller’s contract was set to expire at the end of 2025. Initially, this made Miller the obvious candidate to be replaced when Razgatlioglu’s promotion was announced.

However, Oliveira’s season was derailed by injuries. A heavy crash in the Argentina Sprint Race caused a shoulder ligament dislocation, forcing him to miss three full race weekends. Though Yamaha was patient and allowed Oliveira time to recover, his performances after returning were not convincing enough to secure his place.

A performance clause in Oliveira’s contract gave Yamaha a potential exit route if he failed to meet certain expectations. As the season unfolded, his lack of results compared to Miller made the decision clearer.

Gino Borsoi Explains the Decisive Factor

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Pramac boss Gino Borsoi outlined how the decision ultimately came down to results. While Yamaha hesitated for months, the championship table left little room for debate.

“Jackie and Miguel’s decision took a long time because everyone was really struggling to make a decision, both Yamaha and us,” Borsoi explained. “Miguel is a great person, a great rider. But in the end, both teams looked at the standings and felt they couldn’t justify keeping him over Jack. The difference in points was too big.”

Miller had collected 54 points compared to Oliveira’s 17, a gap of more than triple despite the Portuguese rider missing races. Borsoi emphasized that while Oliveira’s injury was a factor, it could not fully explain the gulf in results.

The Numbers Behind the Decision

The statistics paint a clear picture of why Miller was favored over Oliveira:

• Races started: Miller 32, Oliveira 25

• Points scored: Miller 54, Oliveira 17

• Qualified ahead: Miller 11 times, Oliveira 1

• Finished ahead: Miller 11 times, Oliveira 5

• DNFs: Miller 7, Oliveira 4

• Championship position: Miller 17th, Oliveira 21st

While neither rider has been near the championship’s front runners, Miller consistently delivered better performances. His ability to qualify higher up the grid and finish more frequently in points-paying positions gave Yamaha confidence in his reliability.

How Miller Secured His Future

Beyond the raw numbers, Miller’s off-track qualities also played a role. Yamaha’s engineers view him as a rider who can provide clear feedback and direction, something especially vital for the development of a completely new engine philosophy. His adaptability across multiple manufacturers and riding styles reassured Yamaha that he could help shape the future of the M1 project.

Additionally, Miller’s personality and popularity with fans and sponsors worked in his favor. Known for his no-nonsense, hardworking approach, he brings value to Yamaha beyond just results. At a time when the factory is rebuilding its identity, having a rider like Miller who embraces the grind and connects with fans is an asset they cannot afford to lose.

Oliveira’s Future Now in Doubt

For Miguel Oliveira, the decision is a bitter blow. Once seen as one of the brightest prospects in MotoGP, the Portuguese rider now faces an uncertain future. Yamaha’s ability to exit his contract through the performance clause leaves him without a guaranteed ride for 2026.

It is possible that Oliveira may seek a return to a satellite team, or even explore opportunities outside of MotoGP. However, with younger riders and champions from Moto2 and WorldSBK constantly knocking on the door, finding a competitive seat will be a challenge.

Miller’s Mindset Moving Forward

For Miller, securing his place in Yamaha’s long-term project brings relief and renewed motivation. Speaking to media earlier this season, the Australian admitted the uncertainty had been difficult to handle. Now, with his future confirmed, he can fully focus on improving results on track.

Miller knows that results matter more than ever. While his place is secure for 2026, Yamaha expects him to be central to the development of the V4 and to deliver results that justify their faith in him. The upcoming races will test not only his pace but also his ability to guide Yamaha’s engineers toward a competitive package.

Conclusion

In the end, Jack Miller’s championship standings and proven consistency saved his MotoGP career with Yamaha. While Miguel Oliveira’s injury struggles and underwhelming results opened the door, Miller’s steady performance, adaptability, and off-track value convinced Yamaha to extend his deal. With the brand-new Yamaha V4 engine project now underway, Miller stands at the heart of the factory’s revival hopes.

For the Australian, Misano marked not just another race weekend, but a turning point in his career. Having narrowly avoided being pushed aside, he now knows that Yamaha sees him as a cornerstone of their future. The challenge ahead is immense, but for Miller, survival has always been the first step toward success.