YAMAHA BOSS BACKS MILLER TO BECOME A WORLDSBK LEADER

Yamaha Motor Racing managing director Paolo Pavesio believes Jack Miller has the ability to become a leading rider in World Superbikes, based on what he has seen of the Australian on Yamaha’s R1.

Miller has ridden for Yamaha in the past two Suzuka 8 Hours races, joining Andrea Locatelli and Katsuyuki Nakasuga. The trio finished second on both occasions, behind Honda’s factory team. The results came despite the R1’s recent performance struggles, and Miller’s ability to adapt to the bike and its different tyres impressed Yamaha’s leadership.

Pavesio praised not only Miller’s riding but also the attitude he brought to the team. “For us, Jack was a fantastic find,” he told Motorsport.com’s Italian edition. He said Miller consistently looked for positives and signs of progress, even when the project was facing difficult moments. In Pavesio’s view, Miller’s frequent position as Yamaha’s strongest rider reflected both his skill and his approach.

The Australian had hoped to stay in MotoGP for the championship’s next technical era, but Izan Guevara’s Moto2 results made Yamaha’s decision to move on from Miller difficult to avoid. Miller has not ruled out a switch to World Superbikes, and has reportedly considered racing in the Australian Superbike Championship as preparation for the move.

Although Miller compared Yamaha’s Superbike to a Moto3 machine after his latest Suzuka appearance, Pavesio remains confident in his potential. “He’s got to know the bike a bit, and based on my own experience, I believe Jack could be one of the leading figures in that paddock and could remain so for a long time,” he said.

Pavesio added that Miller has the qualities Yamaha wants in a rider representing the company. Yamaha is working to improve its competitive position in World Superbikes, and Miller has been shown the manufacturer’s plans. “I’m very happy that he’s staying,” Pavesio said.