Story Highlight
– Yamaha and Pramac delayed decision on 2026 teammate.
– Oliveira focuses on improving braking performance.
– Miller seeks contract clarity, waiting on Yamaha response.
– Rins remains confident despite performance challenges.
– Future team dynamics depend on upcoming performance evaluations.
Full Story
Yamaha and Pramac were expected to finalise their decision regarding Toprak Razgatlioglu’s teammate for the 2026 MotoGP season during the summer break, yet no announcements have been made. Both Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller remain uncertain about their futures. “No, we have not spoken,” Oliveira stated on Thursday ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix. “They seem to want to wait for two more races before making a decision. My main goal is to focus on performing my best.”
Oliveira noted that he is not overly concerned with the question of whether he will stay with the team. Instead, he is concentrating on addressing his weaknesses with the motorcycle, particularly during the braking phase. “I believe I have made some good progress in that area. However, I hit a wall at the Sachsenring and Brno; things did not go as planned. In Brno, we attempted to align our setup with Jack and Fabio’s,” he explained. “But I struggled a lot, especially in the braking zones where I lose time. I want to get that under control.” Good performance is crucial for Oliveira’s prospects, whether with Pramac or another team.
“I think if you focus solely on results, it can become complicated. If you ride well and feel comfortable on the bike, everything else tends to follow. Therefore, my focus is entirely on that,” he added. Despite holding a two-year contract, Oliveira’s deal includes a performance clause. After a spell out due to injury, he has only managed six points in the championship. This has increased speculation about Jack Miller’s chances of extending his one-year contract.
Miller recently finished second at the Suzuka 8 Hours with Yamaha but returned home without a new contract. The Australian is also considering offers from the Superbike World Championship but wishes to remain in MotoGP for as long as possible. “I am trying to engage in discussions to understand my current situation – but nothing is on the table yet,” he admitted. “I am simply waiting and trying to stay in the game; I want to stay at Yamaha and be part of this project.”
“I am being as patient as possible because I love working with Yamaha and enjoy the entire environment. I have a great relationship with my crew chief, and I am very happy,” he explained. Miller feels he still has room for growth and achievement, expressing a willingness to wait for clarity on his position. His performance at Suzuka also impressed Yamaha’s management, yet he finds himself in a waiting game.
“I have been given several timelines. Initially, it was set before the summer break, then after, and it keeps getting pushed back,” Miller remarked with frustration. “Other opportunities might close off as time goes on. I will do what I can; it’s a patience game, and I am trying to remain as patient as possible under the circumstances.”
It is confirmed that Fabio Quartararo will race for the factory Yamaha team next year, and Razgatlioglu will join Pramac. Alex Rins has a two-year contract as well. However, as Oliveira’s experience illustrates, a contract does not guarantee job security. Rins, who has not performed as strongly as his teammates Quartararo and Miller, was asked if he is worried about his future. “I am quite calm,” he responded in Spielberg on Thursday. “I signed a two-year contract with Yamaha last year, and I believe in my team.”
“They believe in me, so I feel quite relaxed in that regard. The relationship with the team is very good, so we will see.” The coming weeks are likely to reveal the decisions made by Yamaha’s director, Paolo Pavesio.
