Yamaha signs Jack Miller for 2027 WorldSBK
Yamaha has signed MotoGP race winner Jack Miller for its factory WorldSBK team starting in 2027, citing his experience and Michelin tyre knowledge as key
Yamaha says the chance to sign MotoGP race winner Jack Miller for its official WorldSBK team in 2027 was "too good to miss". The Australian rider will leave the grand prix paddock after 15 seasons, including 12 in the premier class, to join the production-based championship next year.
Niccolo Canepa, Yamaha Motor Europe's sporting manager, expressed his enthusiasm. "We are hugely excited to welcome Jack Miller to Yamaha's WorldSBK project in 2027," said Canepa, a former MotoGP and WorldSBK rider himself. He confirmed the team is already looking forward to the first tests with Miller.
Miller's existing Yamaha links
Miller is not a complete newcomer to Yamaha's flagship machine. He has already raced the Yamaha R1 at the Suzuka 8 Hours event for the past two years as part of the factory's entry. On both occasions, his team finished as runner-up. His transition to WorldSBK also aligns with a major technical shift for the championship, as Michelin replaces Pirelli as the sole tyre supplier from 2027.
This tyre change plays to Miller's strengths. He has extensive experience with Michelin rubber, having used it for most of his MotoGP career. All four of his MotoGP race wins and his 23 podium finishes, achieved on Honda, Ducati, and KTM bikes, were on Michelin tyres.
Technical and commercial value
Canepa highlighted the dual value Miller brings. "His Grand Prix experience, particularly his knowledge of Michelin tyres, will be extremely valuable for us," he stated. The team is eager to see what Miller can achieve on a WorldSBK-spec R1 and how he can contribute to the bike's ongoing development.
Beyond the technical input, Yamaha believes Miller's personality and international profile will be a major asset. Canepa said this will help strengthen Yamaha's presence and bring more attention to the WorldSBK championship globally.
Yamaha's recent WorldSBK record
The signing comes at a time when Yamaha seeks to return to the front of the WorldSBK field. The manufacturer has not won a race since Andrea Locatelli, who will be Miller's future team-mate, triumphed at Assen in 2025. So far this season, the best result for the Yamaha R1 is a fifth-place finish.
Ducati has dominated the 2026 season. Nicolo Bulega has won every race except one, where his team-mate Iker Lecuona took victory at Donington. Bulega is slated to move to MotoGP with the VR46 Ducati team in 2027, potentially opening the competitive landscape.
Yamaha's last WorldSBK champion was Toprak Razgatlioglu in 2021. Before that, Ben Spies won the title for the brand in 2009. Miller will take the seat currently occupied by former grand prix rider Xavi Vierge, who is reportedly set to join Barni Ducati next season.
