Jack Miller has ended speculation about his future by signing a multi-year deal with the factory Yamaha team in the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK) starting from the 2027 season. The announcement was made ahead of the San Marino Grand Prix at Misano, marking the end of the Australian rider's MotoGP career after the 2026 season.
Miller, a four-time MotoGP race winner, joined Yamaha in 2025 after leaving KTM. However, two seasons with the satellite Pramac Yamaha team fell far short of expectations. Nevertheless, he expressed his satisfaction at remaining within the Yamaha family. "Obviously, really happy to announce my future, to have a plan in order for the next couple of years," Miller said in a press conference at Misano on Thursday. "And continuing with a brand like Yamaha, it's a big pleasure for me to remain in the family, continue working with so many people and build the rapport that we have with a brand like Yamaha."
During his two years in MotoGP with Yamaha, Miller admitted that the results were not up to expectations. "Results-wise, I would have liked more over the last two years," he conceded. "But at the same time, we've had a lot on our plate and we've been trying to deal with it, both me as a rider and them as a manufacturer, trying to improve the bike. I believe we are making headway, we are on the way we need to be going; it's just unfortunate our time here in MotoGP working together will stop, but our time in Superbike will begin."
Miller's move to WorldSBK marks a new chapter in his career. He will ride the Yamaha R1, having previously ridden the M1 in MotoGP. "We tried to do what we could with the M1 and now we'll try and do what we can with the R1," he stated. The biggest challenge he faces is the MotoGP calendar finishing at the end of November, leaving limited time for testing with the R1. "It's dogshit," he said of the MotoGP calendar finish. "[ASBK runs] over the summer. I'm looking at that. But at the same time, we're talking about a [WorldSBK] test maybe the 10th, or there or thereabouts, in December. So, I mean, by the time I do that, go home, there's 15 days before Christmas. And then back to Europe again in January for more testing. So, to try and find some time is going to be hard there."
Nevertheless, Miller remains optimistic about the 2027 season. "Fingers crossed the calendar is a Superbike calendar next year and we can have a little bit of a make-up for the break throughout the year," he hoped. He also did not rule out involvement in Yamaha's MotoGP testing if needed. "They have Augusto [Fernandez]. He has a contract. If they need me, I'll never say no. That's it," he concluded.
Miller's move to WorldSBK signals Yamaha's ambition to revive its fortunes in the superbike championship. The Iwata manufacturer has not won a title since 2009 with Ben Spies, and Miller's arrival is expected to bring the experience and speed needed to challenge the dominance of Ducati and Kawasaki. With a multi-year contract, Miller has time to adapt and contribute to the development of the R1.
Meanwhile, the seat left by Miller at Pramac Yamaha for MotoGP 2027 remains uncertain. However, Miller's focus is on finishing the 2026 season strongly and preparing as best as possible for his WorldSBK debut. His experience and determination will be valuable assets for Yamaha in the highly competitive WorldSBK field.
Baca Juga
Jack Miller resmi pindah ke Yamaha WorldSBK 2027 dengan kontrak multi-tahun. Pembalap Australia itu ungkap tantangan jadwal MotoGP dan tes R1.
Alex Rins menolak tawaran WorldSBK dan memilih pensiun dari balap dua roda untuk mengejar proyek baru yang dirahasiakan. Simak alasan dan pernyataan lengkapnya.
Brad Binder resmi bergabung dengan BMW di WorldSBK 2027, berduet dengan Miguel Oliveira. BMW menargetkan gelar juara dunia, sementara Danilo Petrucci hengkang.
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