After months of uncertainty and speculation, Yamaha has finally locked in its 2026 MotoGP line-up, confirming that Jack Miller will remain with Pramac Yamaha for another season. The announcement, made ahead of this weekend’s Catalan Grand Prix, ends a long period of frustration for the Australian rider, who had openly voiced his displeasure at the delay in finalising his future.

The decision comes at a crucial moment for Yamaha, with the manufacturer preparing to debut its first V4-powered MotoGP machine next week at Misano. Keeping Miller, a rider with extensive V4 experience, provides stability and much-needed technical expertise as Yamaha embarks on one of the most significant shifts in its MotoGP history.

Miller, who previously rode for Pramac during its Ducati era between 2018 and 2020, has enjoyed a strong return to the team since joining Yamaha in 2025. “This year has been an amazing return to Pramac Racing,” Miller said following the confirmation. “I’m looking forward to working hard with Yamaha to develop the bike and close the gap to the other manufacturers. I believe the best is still to come.”

The delay in signing Miller stemmed largely from Yamaha’s pursuit of an all-rookie line-up for Pramac. Negotiations were held with Moto2 standouts Diogo Moreira and championship leader Manu Gonzalez. Moreira has since taken up a Honda LCR seat, while Gonzalez impressed in a brief Aprilia test earlier this season. With both unavailable, Yamaha abandoned the rookie plan and opted to retain Miller, a move many view as the sensible choice given the upcoming technical overhaul.

The all-new Yamaha V4 engine, which test rider Augusto Fernandez will debut as a wildcard at Misano, represents a dramatic departure from the marque’s traditional inline-four philosophy. With sweeping regulation changes due in 2027, Miller’s knowledge of V4 machinery – having raced Honda, Ducati, and KTM machines earlier in his career – makes him uniquely positioned to aid Yamaha’s transition.

The news, however, leaves Miguel Oliveira without a seat. The Portuguese rider, Miller’s current team-mate, now faces decisions about his future. Options include returning to Aprilia as a factory test rider or pursuing full-time racing in World Superbikes, where both Honda and BMW are said to be interested.

While Yamaha balances experience with youth across its roster, the retention of Miller signals a pragmatic approach: prioritising development and stability as the brand prepares for a new era in MotoGP.

Yamaha Completes 2026 MotoGP Line-Up with Jack Miller Retained

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