Jack Miller is looking for a job in MotoGP. Before the classic in Assen, the Australian reported how KTM presented him with a fait accompli. But the 29-year-old is far from finished with MotoGP and has options for 2025.
Three hours earlier, the KTM call came: Miller suddenly without a job
“Yes, I was surprised. The last thing I heard was: Don’t worry, we want to keep you in the family. And then you get 3 hours before the press release [der Verpflichtung von Vinales und Bastianini, Anm. d. Red.] a call that you won’t get a contract. So of course I was surprised, to put it mildly,” said the Australian, commenting on the end in Mattighofen. He is not the first driver to be presented with a fait accompli by the Pierer Mobility Group.
Miller had actually always stressed that he wanted to be part of a long-term project. That’s why he even left industry leader Ducati. But now, after two years, it’s over. He is not yet completely done with his time at KTM: “When I signed with KTM, the goal was to win with three manufacturers. That goal still exists. I will push for these last 13 races to achieve that. Then we will see what the future holds. I hope we find out in the next few weeks.”
With only 27 points from the first seven race weekends, Miller’s stocks are not the best. He fully acknowledges his weak phase: “To say I’m happy with how it went… I’m not. It wasn’t what I’m here for. I’m the first to be disappointed.” But his successful past does open some doors: “We have some options, that’s the good side. It’s now about exploring those possibilities and understanding what’s best for the future. If my career were over tomorrow, I’m sure I would have achieved more than expected. But I still feel I have more to give. I still want to be here for a while.”
Miller rules out all alternatives: MotoGP regular place for 2025 is to be achieved
For 2025 it’s MotoGP and only MotoGP. “There is a lot of talk about my family, but in the end this is still my dream. I still want to win here,” he says, rejecting the idea of ending his career. Superbike World Championship is not an issue: “No. I think that the options on the table provide a good place in MotoGP.”
Theoretically, there is also the option of remaining in MotoGP without a regular cockpit. But the Australian categorically rules that out too: “I haven’t even thought about that option. At the moment I can’t imagine myself in that world. I don’t see myself as a test driver. I enjoy racing too much for that, and I don’t particularly enjoy the test drives.”
So he needs a regular place in the premier class. And he says the possibilities are on the table. What would they be? He doesn’t want to be too specific: “Fortunately, I haven’t left any scorched earth in the paddock. I can just walk in to most teams here and have a chat. That’s definitely good for me.”
Miller meaningfully: A Ducati would be very interesting
When it comes to a competitive machine, the only option is to return to Ducati is left, because Aprilia customer Trackhouse Racing seems to be extending the current riders’ contracts. The rumors are mainly brought into play by Gresini. Miller’s reaction to this is quite telling: “Of course a Ducati would be very interesting, because I know the bike very well. I also know the structures there well. I have no doubt that I can jump back on this bike and ride into the top 5 almost immediately.”
The other options left were Honda and Yamaha. The latter in particular would need two new riders if they really were to land a customer team. Without naming names, the four-time Grand Prix winner does not want to rule this out either: “Many things will also change for 2027. And then looking for a project, finding a new home for my last years in MotoGP and working towards a common goal…that is also a possibility that we have to consider.” Only one thing will not play a role in the decision, he made clear: “I have money in the account. I’m very lucky there. So it’s not about that for me. It’s about what I want for my career and for myself.”