“Class clown” Miller: “I don’t know if anyone wants to take on that role”

The 2026 Australian Grand Prix will be Jack Miller’s final home GP in MotoGP. At the same time, this year will mark the last time the World Motorcycle Championship races at Phillip Island before the ‘move’ to Adelaide in 2027.

Phillip Island has been the scene of some unforgettable moments in Miller’s career. In 2014, he thrilled his home fans with a victory in the Moto3 race. In 2019, he secured third place in the premier class. In 2022, Turn 4 was officially renamed ‘Miller Corner’ in his honour. The Australian will have another opportunity to race at the Phillip Island Circuit next February in the World Superbike Championship.

“It’s one of the most iconic circuits on the calendar. Some of the best races we’ve seen in MotoGP so far have taken place here,” Miller emphasised at the opening press conference on Thursday. “I’m really looking forward to my home Grand Prix. It’ll be a special weekend for both me and the team, as it’ll be my last home race in MotoGP before I move to Superbikes. This place has given me some great memories, so it’ll be an emotional experience. We’ve planned something special for the fans, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone and making the most of this weekend.”

What makes Phillip Island so unique? “This place is special for so many reasons. When I think back to the first time I raced here, in 2009. I’d come here from smaller Australian circuits back then. It was my first time on a wide Grand Prix circuit. At first I didn’t know what to do because there was so much space on the track,” recalled the 31-year-old. “This place is phenomenal. Riding a MotoGP bike here is very special. You’re dancing with the bike and you have to control the movements, the wheelies and the wind. You can never go full throttle; you have to play with the bike. That makes riding here all the more fun.”

Jack Miller: “The rain will be our greatest ally this weekend”

The weather’s set to be fine on Friday, but the forecast for Saturday and Sunday isn’t looking so good. Does rain specialist Miller see an opportunity? “We’ll see what’s possible. The rain will be our greatest ally this weekend. Phillip Island is a track where you can make a difference – even if the motorbike isn’t working brilliantly,” clarified “Jackass”. “Our bike turns in quite well. Our biggest weaknesses are in fourth, fifth and sixth gears. We can’t use those much here.” Miller was referring to the Yamaha M1’s top speed, which is slower than that of the other bikes.

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Miller has brought a helmet and a leather suit in special colours (green and gold) for this year’s Australian Grand Prix. His Yamaha will also be decked out in these colours. “It looks pretty cool – the bike and everything else.”

After twelve years, Jack Miller will be leaving MotoGP at the end of 2026. He’s a character in his own right and is held in high regard by everyone. His witty remarks and straightforward manner will be missed in the GP paddock next year. Who could follow in his footsteps in 2027? “I don’t know if anyone wants to take on that role. It’s a bit like being the class clown. And there’s a long list of things you shouldn’t do,” laughed Miller. “It’s been an incredible adventure. I count myself lucky to have spent twelve years here.”