Jack Miller "Scratching My Head" Over "Stupid" Japan MotoGP Practice Crash

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Pramac Yamaha rider Jack Miller was left "scratching my head" after a "stupid I-don’t-even-know-why" crash on Friday at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi Circuit. The incident dashed his hopes of reaching Q2, forcing him into a Q1 battle on Saturday morning.

Miller started the day positively, finishing eighth in the morning session despite a crash, recalling his last MotoGP win in Japan in 2022. However, the afternoon proved challenging as vibrations on the rear tire hampered his initial time attack, and a final-run crash at Turn 5 left him bewildered. "I felt good pace-wise, but that crash was baffling," Miller said.

He explained, "The first time attack was okay, but vibrations affected the tire. On the second run, I had [Marco] Bezzecchi and [Marc] Marquez ahead, not too fast or slow, then suddenly it all went upside down at Turn 5. I braked earlier than the previous lap, tire pressure was fine, temperature was normal, but shifting to second gear midway through the corner, down she went. I’m left scratching my head trying to figure it out."

Miller believes he had top 10 potential without the crash. "It’s a pity; I felt we could’ve made the top 10," he added. Teammate Miguel Oliveira also missed Q2 due to grip balance issues, while Fabio Quartararo was the only Yamaha rider in the top 10.