Jack Miller’s last-gasp deal with Pramac Yamaha could be perfect timing, says Mick Doohan

Ahead of next weekend’s Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island, motorcycle legend Mick Doohan says Jack Miller’s experience and knowledge could help Yamaha in its redevelopment.

Aussie motorcycle legend Mick Doohan believes Jack Miller’s last-minute move to the Pramac Yamaha MotoGP team could be great timing because he expected Japanese manufacturers to start turning the tide against their European rivals.

The five-time world 500cc champion, speaking ahead of next weekend’s Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island, said Miller’s experience and knowledge could help Yamaha in its redevelopment.

Yamaha last month confirmed it was developing a V4 MotoGP engine – to replace its traditional in-line four – which could even be rolled out in 2025.

Motorcycle great Mick Doohan won five world titles from 1994 to 1998.

In his two years at KTM, Miller has been tasked with much in-race testing, often trialling new settings or components during race weekend.

Doohan said the 29-year-old’s stints at Honda and Ducati also make his selection at Yamaha a promising one.

“Maybe this is a good step for them (Yamaha) to grab Jack. Yamaha like Honda, are really making a push.

“So it could be the right time, and he may just gel with that bike.

“In the past few years Honda and Yamaha have struggled but I know the tide is turning, and hopefully it’ll work in Jack’s favour.’’

Australian Jack Miller will contest his home Grand Prix next weekend.

Miller has had a difficult year at KTM and voiced his concerns last month about constant vibrations on his factory bike. The Queenslander is 15th in the championship and his best result was a fifth place in the second round at Portugal.

Doohan said motorcycle development was a constant exercise for teams and manufacturers.

“Jack like all riders, especially lead riders, are giving feedback to the engineers. And generally it’s turned around pretty quickly.’’

Miller’s KTM contract will finish at the end of the year, and at one stage, his future MotoGP prospects looked grim before picking up the last spot in the 2025 grid.

And his destiny was still in his own hands, ultimately, Doohan said.

“You’ve always got to perform. That’s the thing – you need to perform every week.

“It’s a brutal sport, and it’s the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, and it’s no different the Formula One or other sports.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Jack Miller will hope for a better result at Phillip Island.

“If Jack performs, I think beyond 2025 is very possible.

“For his sake, I really do hope that he can have a great year.

“He deserves it. He’s put in the hard yards, he’s a character in the paddock, but sport is all about performance and winning and results.

“That’s what all the manufacturers are looking for, and that’s what Jack’s looking for. So hopefully they can blend it together.’’

The Australian round at Phillip Island starts on Friday with the first practice sessions followed by the half-distance Saturday sprint and the full Grand Prix on Sunday.

Pramac Ducati’s Jorge Martin leads the 2024 standings, just 10 points clear of defending champion and factory Ducati rider Pecco Bagnaia with four rounds to go.