Jack Miller Excluded from Yamaha 850cc Test

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Jack Miller has revealed that Yamaha rejected his offer to participate in Monday’s Brno test of its 850cc MotoGP machinery. The Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP rider connected the decision to his uncertain future, with no confirmed race contract in place for the 2027 season.

The Brno outing will provide several current riders with their first opportunity to sample prototypes developed for MotoGP’s 2027 regulations alongside the new Pirelli tyres. Yamaha has selected Miller’s team-mate, Toprak Razgatlioglu, and official test rider Augusto Fernandez to complete the programme. Razgatlioglu is the only current Yamaha race rider described in the supplied report as contracted for next season, while Fernandez holds a defined role in developing the new machine.

“Ah, yeah, because I don’t have a job,” Miller replied when asked whether he understood why Yamaha had not selected him.

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The decision demonstrates how contract status can influence the allocation of development work. The 850cc motorcycle will form the foundation of Yamaha’s next regulatory-era project, making feedback from riders involved in its longer-term programme particularly important. Razgatlioglu can provide a reference as a prospective 2027 race rider, while Fernandez offers continuity through his position within the factory test team.

Miller insisted that he volunteered because of his experience developing motorcycles with different technical characteristics. The Australian has raced Honda, Ducati, KTM and Yamaha machinery in MotoGP and continues to evaluate components and settings during 2026 that are not being used by other Yamaha riders. He nevertheless declined to reveal the specific items being assessed on the V4-powered YZR-M1.

“They don’t see the need for it. I try to keep things positive, keep things professional and give my honest feedback. I’m still trying multiple different things that nobody else is trying on this bike,” Miller said.

His exclusion from the Brno test comes as his position in the 2027 rider market becomes increasingly uncertain. Miller’s Pramac seat is described as being under pressure, with Moto2 rider Izan Guevara linked as one potential candidate. Yamaha and Pramac, however, have not officially announced their complete rider line-up for the following season.

From a technical perspective, Miller’s feedback retains value because Yamaha remains in the early stages of its V4 development programme. He has been involved since the Valencia test and previously placed the motorcycle at the top of the order during a day of the Sepang Shakedown. His experience provides references for power delivery, rear traction, engine braking and chassis balance as Yamaha moves away from its traditional inline-four configuration.

His 2026 race results have not been strong enough to provide similar security in the rider market. Miller has scored only 11 points on the V4 and admitted that he does not enjoy competing around 15th to 18th position against the other Yamaha riders. Those results reflect a package that has yet to provide the grip, acceleration and consistency required to challenge the leading group.

“The last couple of years have not been easy. I don’t enjoy riding around fighting with the other Yamahas in 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th,” Miller said.

“I believe in my calibre as a rider, I know what I bring to a project, and I’m looking to make the correct decision to get back to enjoying racing.”

Miller also made clear that his priority remains a full-time racing position. Although he enjoys motorcycle development, the four-time MotoGP Grand Prix winner is not yet interested in becoming a dedicated test rider. His objective is to find a seat capable of giving him an opportunity to fight for podiums again rather than completing technical mileage without direct competition.

“No, not yet. I want to race. As much as I like developing motorbikes, I don’t like riding around in circles,” he said when asked about a possible testing role.

In the immediate term, Miller faces four races in four weeks and is also scheduled to compete for Yamaha at the Suzuka 8 Hours. He acknowledged that missing the Brno test may at least provide an additional day of physical recovery. The manufacturer’s decision nevertheless indicates that its 2027 development programme is beginning to focus on riders already included in its future plans.

Miller has committed to remaining professional and delivering his maximum until the end of the season despite the uncertainty. The Czech Grand Prix now provides his next opportunity to strengthen his position through performance, while Monday’s test will reveal Yamaha’s development direction without his involvement. Should a 2027 MotoGP race seat not become available, his experience and winning record could also make him a candidate for a leading WorldSBK programme.