Jack Miller determined to make most of last chance in MotoGP

Marc Marquez secures victory in Thailand, while Jack Miller impresses with his adaptation to Yamaha at Pramac.

The MotoGP field enters turn one after the race start during the MotoGP PT Grand Prix of Thailand at Chang International Circuit on March 2, 2025, in Buriram, Thailand. Photo by Steve Wobser/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Marc Marquez made a stunning debut for Ducati by securing victory at the Thailand Grand Prix. The six-time MotoGP champion delivered a commanding performance, claiming pole position, winning the Sprint race, and taking the main event at Buriram. His dominant display marked the perfect start to his new chapter with the Italian manufacturer.

While Marquez led the charge, his brother Alex Marquez also put in an impressive performance for Gresini Racing. Riding the satellite GP24, Alex briefly took the lead when Marc encountered a tyre pressure issue. However, the Ducati factory rider regained control in the closing laps to seal his first victory for his new team.

Ducati asserted its dominance in Thailand, locking out the top four positions. Defending champion Francesco Bagnaia secured third place, while Franco Morbidelli impressed with a strong ride to fourth for VR46 Racing. However, one of the biggest talking points of the weekend was the remarkable MotoGP debut of Ai Ogura.

Trackhouse Racing’s Ai Ogura delivered one of the most remarkable rookie performances in recent history. The 24-year-old Japanese rider secured an outstanding fifth-place finish on his premier-class debut. His speed was evident throughout the weekend, qualifying fifth and finishing fourth in the Sprint race before matching his performance in the main event.

Ogura was the highest-placed non-Ducati rider, finishing ahead of some established names in the championship. The 2024 Moto2 champion’s ability to adapt quickly to the premier class drew praise from across the paddock, further cementing his status as one of MotoGP’s most exciting young talents.

While Ducati dominated the race, Honda showed promising signs of improvement. Johann Zarco secured a solid seventh place for LCR Honda, highlighting the team’s progress. Meanwhile, Alex Rins was optimistic about Honda’s recovery, despite crashing out at the final corner. The manufacturer is eager to bounce back after a dismal 2024 campaign, and Rins believes their performance in Thailand indicates they are heading in the right direction.

Yamaha, however, had a more challenging weekend, with no riders finishing inside the top ten. Despite this, there were still positive takeaways for the Japanese manufacturer, particularly in the case of Jack Miller.

Jack Miller impresses on Yamaha return

Jack Miller returned to Pramac Racing in 2025 after the team switched from Ducati to Yamaha machinery. The Australian finished 11th at the Thailand Grand Prix but showed glimpses of his true potential. He fought as high as sixth during the race and displayed strong pace throughout the weekend.

After a challenging stint with KTM, Miller appears much more comfortable aboard the YZR-M1. Gino Borsoi, Pramac’s team manager, has been amazed at how quickly Miller has adapted to the Yamaha, despite making the transition only recently.

Former MotoGP commentator Keith Huewen was particularly impressed with Miller’s performance at Buriram. Speaking on the OMG! MotoGP Podcast, Huewen praised Miller’s adaptability and confidence on the Yamaha.

Keith Huewen said, “Jack Miller was outstanding again. It just goes to show that if you’re in a happy environment, great things can happen. Pramac looks after him, and he looks after them. He’s back on the pace, and that’s spectacular.”

While Miller’s early form is encouraging, 2025 is seen as his last opportunity to secure his future in MotoGP. Former world champion Neil Hodgson believes this season is Miller’s final chance to prove his worth in the premier class. Pramac’s decision to offer him a one-year contract for 2025 has given him a lifeline, and he is determined to make the most of it.

One of the biggest differences Miller has noticed with the Yamaha is how well it handles corners, particularly on fresh tyres. He has openly expressed his relief that Yamaha does not suffer from the chatter issues that plagued him at KTM.

“I’m so grateful that Yamaha doesn’t have the same problem. The bike feels great every time I go into a corner,” Miller said.

Meanwhile, KTM is still struggling with chatter in 2025. Rookie sensation Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder have remained tight-lipped when questioned about the issue, but it is becoming an unavoidable topic within the paddock. If KTM fails to address the problem, it could significantly impact their season.

As the MotoGP season progresses, all eyes will be on Miller to see if he can capitalize on his fresh start with Yamaha. With Argentina up next, the Australian will be eager to build on his promising performance in Thailand and push for a top-ten finish.