Jack Miller Targets Positive Malaysian MotoGP Weekend After Phillip Island Disappointment

The Prima Pramac Yamaha rider heads to Sepang after securing fifth on the grid and eighth in the Australian GP Sprint, while Augusto Fernandez continues his efforts to build race experience on the YZR-M1.

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Jack Miller will be looking to carry his encouraging form from Phillip Island into the Malaysian Grand Prix this weekend after the cancellation of Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix denied him a final opportunity to race at his home circuit in MotoGP.

The Prima Pramac Yamaha rider enjoyed a competitive weekend at Phillip Island, qualifying fifth on the grid before finishing eighth in Saturday’s Sprint. The result matched his best finish of the 2026 season and earned him his first points in a Saturday race this year.

However, heavy rain and poor visibility forced the cancellation of Sunday’s Grand Prix, ending Miller’s final MotoGP race weekend at Phillip Island without the home race he had hoped for.

Despite the disappointment, Miller can take confidence from his Sprint performance as he prepares for the next round at Sepang International Circuit.

Sepang Presents a Different Challenge for Yamaha

The Malaysian Grand Prix will provide a different test for Yamaha’s YZR-M1, with Sepang’s combination of long straights, heavy braking zones and technical corners placing a strong emphasis on acceleration, stability and top speed.

Measuring 5.543 kilometres, the circuit features 15 corners and a 920-metre main straight. These characteristics could present a challenge for Yamaha as the team continues working to improve its competitiveness.

Miller, however, has previous experience of achieving solid results at the Malaysian circuit. The Australian finished sixth in 2022 and eighth in 2023, giving him a useful reference point ahead of this weekend’s race.

Weather conditions could also influence the team’s performance. Rain showers are common in Malaysia during this period, and Miller will be hoping to make the most of any wet-weather opportunities after showing encouraging pace in the rain at Phillip Island.

Speaking ahead of the Malaysian round, Miller said he was looking forward to returning to Sepang and hoped the team could put together a positive weekend.

“I’m looking forward to Malaysia. We’ve done plenty of laps around Sepang over the years, and it’s a track I enjoy riding. It’ll also be nice to get back to some warm weather, and hopefully we can have a positive weekend,” Miller said.

Augusto Fernandez Continues Building Experience

Meanwhile, Augusto Fernandez will focus on gaining further experience with Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP as he continues his work on the YZR-M1.

Although Fernandez is Yamaha’s test and development rider and is familiar with the motorcycle, competing in race weekends provides valuable opportunities to understand the team’s working methods and improve his feeling with the bike.

Sepang is a familiar circuit for the Spaniard, allowing him to concentrate on developing his understanding of the current package and getting back into the rhythm of MotoGP competition.

“Every lap is important for me at the moment, as I work to get back into the MotoGP race rhythm as quickly as possible. We’ll keep working step by step and make the most of the weekend, whatever the conditions,” Fernandez explained.

Yamaha Reflects on Missed Opportunity at Phillip Island

Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP team director Gino Borsoi acknowledged the disappointment of missing Sunday’s race, particularly given its significance for Miller’s final MotoGP appearance at Phillip Island.

Borsoi praised the Australian’s Sprint performance, which saw him score points and place a Yamaha inside the top 10. He also recognised that Miller could potentially have achieved more during Sunday’s race but supported the decision to cancel the event on safety grounds.

“Of course, it’s a shame for Jack and the whole team that we couldn’t take part in the race. This was a particularly important occasion for Jack, as it was his final MotoGP Grand Prix at Phillip Island.”

“At least he was able to race in the Sprint, where he delivered his best performance of the season, scored points and put Yamaha inside the top ten. He’ll take that memory away with him, and it’s one he truly deserves,” Borsoi said.

Borsoi added that rider safety had to take priority, backing Race Direction’s decision to cancel the Grand Prix amid the difficult weather conditions.

With the Australian round behind them, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP will now turn its attention to Sepang, where Miller will aim to build on his recent progress while Fernandez continues developing his understanding of the YZR-M1.