CANEPA SAYS MILLER’S DRIVE TO WIN SWAYED YAMAHA’S WORLDSBK DECISION

Jack Miller will move from MotoGP to Yamaha’s factory World Superbike team in 2027 after the premier-class grid ran out of room for him. The Australian was not guaranteed a place at Yamaha, where he competed with Xavi Vierge for the seat alongside Andrea Locatelli. Team chief Niccolò Canepa has explained why the manufacturer chose Miller, while acknowledging Vierge’s contribution.

“Vierge has done a great job this year,” Canepa told GPOne, praising the Spaniard’s speed, feedback on the bike and positive presence in the garage. But Yamaha saw a particular opportunity in Miller’s experience with factory MotoGP teams. The four-time Grand Prix winner has raced for three official teams, taken victories and podiums, and finished second in Moto3 before moving directly to MotoGP.

Canepa said Miller remains determined to achieve more. He is “still hungry, motivated, and eager to demonstrate his talent,” the team chief said. What stood out most during their discussions was Miller’s ambition: Canepa said he sometimes gets the impression that riders move to WorldSBK to “overwinter or retire”, but insisted that was not Miller’s mindset. “I can assure you he always gives 110%,” he added.

Miller has also spoken about the change ahead, describing himself as excited to take on a new discipline while admitting that leaving MotoGP brings mixed feelings. “I love MotoGP and a part of me is sad that this chapter is ending,” he told Australian Motorcycle News. He said the championship represents the pinnacle not only for riders but also for motorcycles, engineers and facilities, and noted that he has been racing “the fastest machines on earth”.

The Australian is nevertheless looking forward to adapting to WorldSBK machinery. He described the bikes as heavier and larger, requiring more effort to muscle around and featuring more movement than MotoGP machines. “I’m really excited for that new challenge,” Miller said.