MILLER JOKES ABOUT WHO WILL TAKE OVER AS MOTOGP’S CLASS CLOWN

Jack Miller is preparing for an emotional final home MotoGP appearance at Phillip Island before moving to WorldSBK next season. The Australian will return to the circuit for the 2027 season opener, but this weekend marks the end of a chapter that began when he first rode there on a 125cc bike in 2009.

Asked who might take over his reputation as the grid’s comedian, Miller joked that the job might not be especially appealing. “I don’t know if anyone wants to take that role! It’s like a class clown,” he said. “It’s just a long list of what not to do... Somebody will come through and step up!” His antics have included giving Alex Rins a ride back to the pits at Motegi with a two-up stoppie.

Miller reflected on a 12-year premier-class career that has brought four race wins and 23 podiums with Honda, Ducati and KTM. “How I’ve remained here for 12 years is beyond me. But I did. So I was lucky!” he said.

Phillip Island holds a special place in his memories. Miller called it one of the calendar’s most iconic circuits, known for producing some of MotoGP’s best races. Recalling his first ride there, he said the width of a full Grand Prix track felt overwhelming: “You think, ‘what am I going to do with all this f**king space?!’” On a MotoGP bike, he explained, the challenge is to balance the machine through its shaking, wheelies and exposure to the wind. “You can never fully attack, you’re kind of just playing with the bike the whole time, which makes it all the more fun to ride.”

The forecast could shape his farewell weekend, with sunshine expected Friday and rain possible on Saturday and Sunday. Miller, who qualified on the front row and finished fourth in last year’s dry Sprint, is hoping for wet conditions on Yamaha’s new V4. “A little bit of rain for us at the minute would be quite nice,” he said, describing it as “our biggest friend this weekend.”

He believes the weather could help offset the bike’s shortcomings at the circuit. “Our bike turns pretty good,” Miller said, adding that a well-set-up machine could still give him a chance. But the Yamaha is weaker in fourth, fifth and sixth gears, which Phillip Island uses extensively, leaving him “leaning on Mother Nature.” Asked whether he would take a risky shot at victory if Sunday’s race is wet, he replied: “When is it ever not? I’m getting older, but I’m definitely not getting wiser! For sure we’ll give it a crack and see what we can do.”

Miller will mark his final Phillip Island MotoGP outing with a special helmet and leathers. His Yamaha team-mate Toprak Razgatlioglu will miss the event and the rest of the 2026 season after dislocating his shoulder at Mandalika and requiring surgery. Test rider Augusto Fernandez will take his place.