Jack Miller Reflects on Maverick Vinales Overtake Amid Uncertain MotoGP Future

Jack Miller elaborates on Maverick Vinales' overtaking maneuver | Not overly concerned about grim 2025 prospects

Jack Miller's career path remains unclear as he engages in a heated competition with Maverick Vinales.

Jack Miller from Red Bull KTM is set to be substituted by current Moto2 World Champion Pedro Acosta in the KTM MotoGP factory team for the next season. With fewer opportunities in the Grand Prix circuit, the Australian rider appears to accept that 2024 might be his final year competing in the championship.

Miller started his stint with KTM at the start of 2023 after leaving Ducati, taking several engineers with him, including his crew chief Cristhian Pupulin.

From nearly the outset, Miller faced challenges at KTM, especially as Acosta's increasing visibility placed him at the forefront of KTM's MotoGP future plans.

When Acosta secured a podium finish in his second race of the season in the premier class, it was evident that KTM would be aiming to promote Acosta to their factory team by 2025. With Brad Binder already contracted until the end of 2026, it seemed likely that Miller would be the one to make way for the Murcian rider.

Miller is set to leave KTM soon, limiting his possibilities to stay in MotoGP past this November. At this point, Miller's remaining options include the Pramac Yamaha seats and the position next to Raul Fernandez at Trackhouse Aprilia.

Ai Ogura is now closely associated with the Trackhouse seat, whereas Miguel Oliveira is reportedly being considered for a spot with Pramac.

There is a chance that Miller could move to WorldSBK, as he appeared doubtful about continuing his MotoGP career beyond this year following the Sprint race at Silverstone.

"It's nearly finished, so I should simply savor these final [races]," Miller remarked.

He mentioned that it is likely enhancing his performance, however.

An Australian remarked, "They often say that a content rider tends to be a swift one, and I believe that might apply here. I'm not overly concerned with what's ahead; I'm just trying to savor the present."

Miller overtakes Vinales

Miller finished seventh in the Silverstone Sprint, securing his position with a last-minute pass on Maverick Vinales, who had earlier overtaken Miller during the race.

"When Vinales passed me, I was making a serious effort to catch up to the riders ahead: Fabio Di Giannantonio, Alex Marquez, Brad Binder, and Pedro Acosta. However, I couldn't maintain their speed," said Miller, who had opted for a medium-compound rear tire, a choice that affected his acceleration and made him the only rider to use it.

"I took a big gamble early on to compensate for the time I was losing in the straights, but I expected that might happen with the medium rear tire," Miller explained.

"When Vinales overtook, he managed one fast lap before his pace dropped noticeably. It was clear that his performance was declining, as he had to accelerate earlier than usual in the middle of the corners."

"I was waiting patiently for the right moment to overtake, planning to make my move on the final lap. It seemed like the riders ahead of me were also holding back, similar to Vinales, and I felt like I was catching up to them during the last two laps."

Miller's move to overtake Vinales in the last lap and regain seventh position was somewhat risky. He clarified, "I noticed that he was braking slightly earlier than I was at turn six, giving me some leeway there. However, I got overly enthusiastic with the throttle through turn four, aiming to be in a good position to make a move at turn six. This caused me to lose some traction and speed. As a result, my attempt to pass him was more of a distant, aggressive maneuver."

"I was aware of the exact spot where I needed to start braking and was confident I could stop the bike in time. I had to give it my all, including slamming the rear brake, to maintain my line and avoid drifting wide and getting overtaken. Fortunately, I managed to pull it off."

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