KTM: Giving up Jack Miller ‘really sad’, ‘want him to stay in MotoGP’
KTM is experiencing a time of mixed feelings with the recent changes to its MotoGP team. The joy at the signing of Maverick Viñales and Enea Bastianini is accompanied by considerable sadness at the departure of Jack Miller and Augusto Fernandez. KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer expressed these emotions during a recent interview.
Jack Miller, a MotoGP race winner with Honda and Ducati, joins Red Bull KTM at the start of the 2023 season Despite making a good start to his RC16 career, with two podiums at the fourth round in Jerez, the Australian fell short. maintain the same level of performance, currently occupying only 16th place in this year’s ranking.
Initially, Miller seemed to have a good chance to fill Pedro Acosta’s place at Tech3 for the 2025 season However, KTM surprised by announcing the signing of not only Ducati’s Enea Bastianini, but also Aprilia’s Maverick Viñales to shape the future . The Tech3 team.
“As you can imagine, we are very happy now because we have managed to create a very promising package for the future. With Enea and Maverick, we have two very strong drivers in the team,” Beirer said in a video press conference. . However, he also expressed his sadness at the departure of Miller and Fernandez. “To give up on Jack and Augusto is really sad.”
Beirer explained that the rider market was under a lot of pressure, especially during the Mugello Grand Prix, which led KTM to make quick decisions. “If we didn’t take advantage of the chance that week, we just wouldn’t have those opportunities again,” he explained.
Despite Miller’s disappointing recent results, Beirer emphasized the significant contribution he made to the development of the RC16. Changes to the bike’s setup and electronics, introduced by Miller and his crew chief Cristhian Pupulin, benefited other KTM riders. “Jack, his team and the team did something to the bike that we had never done before, expanding the potential of the KTM,” said Beirer.
Now, the team is focused on helping Miller regain his performance. “Our objective, not in the medium or long term, but for Assen, is to get Jack back on track,” declared Beirer. He believes that if Miller can improve his results, it will be a win-win situation. “I want him to stay in MotoGP. I want him to have a good future and find a good team. So the better he does with us, the better it will be for everyone.”
Miller’s options for 2025 include a possible return to Honda, where he began his MotoGP career, or satellite team Ducati Pramac. Meanwhile, Fernandez, who is just behind Miller in the standings, may consider alternatives to WorldSBK or Moto2 if he fails to secure a place in the premier class.
With the departure of Miller and Fernandez, KTM is determined to move forward with a renewed team, but without forgetting the valuable contributions of its current leaders.
