Motor GP 2024: Things starting to look up for Aussie rider Jack Miller ahead of Austrian GP

Despite almost writing his Motor GP career off a fortnight ago, Aussie rider Jack Miller says he is now optimistic of securing a seat for 2025, as he prepares for this weekend’s Austrian GP.

Ian Royall

@IanRoyall

less than 2 min read

August 17, 2024 - 8:00AM

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 03: Jack Miller of Australia and Bull KTM Factory Racing arrives on grid and prepares to start on the grid during the MotoGP Of Great Britain - Sprint at Silverstone Circuit on August 03, 2024 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images)

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Aussie MotoGP star Jack Miller remains optimistic he will secure a ride for 2025, as he prepares for the Austrian GP this weekend.

Miller’s two-deal with KTM ends this year and despite strong speculation in June that he would join a Ducati team, he has been sidelined as a succession of rider announcements have taken place.

But speaking ahead of race weekend at the Red Bull Ring, Miller said his prospects had improved after a grim forecast at the last round earlier this month.

“(I have) more optimism than I did at Silverstone that’s for sure, but we’ll just have to wait and see. We’re trying to work things out,’’ he said.

With Moto2 rising star Ai Ogura, of Japan, taking the second spot at Trackhouse Aprilia, Miller’s best prospects appear to be with the Pramac team which is running Yamahas next year.

The Queenslander raced for Pramac Ducati from 2018 to 2020, finishing 13th, 8th and 7th in the championship.

Will Jack Miller get a ride for the 2025 season? Picture: AFP

This year has been a series of frustrating results for the 29-year-old, and he is 16th in the standings, so far his worst return since his 18th in season 2016 when riding for the Marc VDS Honda team.

The Queenslander had also at one stage been linked to a shift to the World Superbike series and the factory Ducati garage, to replace Alvaro Bautista who is expected to retire.

A fortnight ago, Miller had spoken about the likelihood of an end to his MotoGP career after 10 seasons, declaring “my phone isn’t ringing”.

But he said on Thursday that: “(There’s been) some phone calls for sure. I appreciate people reaching out.’’

An announcement could be made as early as this weekend.

In his last outing, Miller finished 12th in the British GP and 7th in the sprint.