The upcoming 2025 Japanese MotoGP at Twin Ring Motegi carries a special meaning for many riders, but perhaps none more so than Jack Miller. The Australian rider, who has been confirmed as a 2026 Yamaha MotoGP factory signing, is relishing the chance to return to a circuit that holds some of his fondest memories. For Miller, Motegi represents more than just another stop on the calendar; it is the place where he celebrated his last MotoGP victory three years ago.

Miller’s Thrill to Return to Motegi

Miller did not hide his excitement when discussing his return to Motegi, calling the Japanese GP an “extremely special” event in his career. “I‘m thrilled to be back at Motegi. It‘s obviously a very important race for Yamaha, but it‘s also extremely special for me since this is where I took my last victory,” he shared.

That 2022 win at Motegi remains one of Miller’s standout performances in premier-class racing, and it has been a long three years since he last stood on the top step of the podium. Now, as MotoGP prepares to race from September 26–28, the Australian is determined to channel the energy of that victory into another strong showing.

Miller’s relationship with Japanese fans has also strengthened recently thanks to his participation in the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race earlier in August, where he secured a podium finish with Yamaha. “I love everything about the Japanese GP, and the fans here are simply incredible,” Miller added. “I was reminded of that at the Suzuka 8 Hours, where I stood on the podium, and again today during our visit to YMC headquarters in Iwata and then in Tokyo where we were welcomed by many excited fans.”

With Yamaha preparing for a new era and Miller joining their roster in 2026, his enthusiasm for the Japanese GP is also a nod to the bond he hopes to build with his future team and their home crowd.

Oliveira’s Perspective: A Bittersweet Return

For Miguel Oliveira, the Japanese GP also carries significance, though with a bittersweet undertone. The Portuguese rider, currently racing with Prima Pramac Yamaha, will not continue with the manufacturer in 2026. Rumors strongly link him with a switch to World Superbike with BMW, meaning this could be his final appearance at Motegi as a rider for a Japanese factory.

Despite that uncertainty, Oliveira is taking the event in stride, fully aware of the importance of Yamaha’s home race. “This is a special race for me, not only because it‘s Yamaha‘s home GP with Prima Pramac Yamaha, but also because I‘m fascinated by this country and always happy to return,” he explained.

Oliveira acknowledged the passion of Yamaha’s staff and supporters, noting the motivation it gives him. “Doing so as a rider for a Japanese manufacturer makes it even more special. I felt the big enthusiasm of the Yamaha employees during today’s visit at YMR in Iwata and I hope we can keep building on our recent progress. We‘re improving every weekend and showing growing competitiveness, which is a huge motivation.”

His comments reflect a rider who, while perhaps looking ahead to a different career path, still respects the unique atmosphere of racing for a Japanese manufacturer on their home soil.

Pramac Yamaha’s First Japanese GP

This season marks the first Japanese Grand Prix for Pramac Yamaha as the official satellite team of the factory. After years of partnership with Ducati, the Italian outfit made the bold switch to Yamaha in 2025. For the team, Motegi is not just another race but an opportunity to demonstrate progress in front of the passionate Yamaha faithful.

Team Director Gino Borsoi provided an honest assessment of what to expect from the YZR-M1 at the challenging Twin Ring Motegi circuit. “We arrive from a race where we brought home a decent result, and we‘re ready to try again here in Motegi, an especially important round as it‘s Yamaha‘s home Grand Prix,” Borsoi said.

He pointed out that Motegi’s technical demands suit Yamaha in some ways but also expose areas where the bike still needs improvement. “At Motegi, hard braking is essential, which plays perfectly into one of the YZR-M1‘s main strengths. The restarts [accelerations], however, will be where we struggle more. Hopefully, the progress we‘ve made in recent races will continue here, so we can deliver a strong result for the many Yamaha fans who will be cheering for us.”

Motegi: A Track That Brings Out Strengths and Weaknesses

The Twin Ring Motegi circuit, located north of Tokyo, is a unique track on the MotoGP calendar. Known for its long straights followed by hard-braking zones, it tests both riders and machines to the limit. Riders need exceptional braking control and corner exit precision, making it a venue where Yamaha’s famed agility and braking balance can shine.

However, Yamaha has long struggled with acceleration and top-end power, issues that Motegi’s layout tends to amplify. For Miller and Oliveira, managing those weaknesses will be critical if they hope to bring home strong results.

The Importance of the Japanese GP for Yamaha

The Japanese GP is always a major event for Yamaha Motor Company, whose headquarters are based in Iwata. Racing on home soil is more than just about results; it is about pride, connection with the fans, and showcasing the company’s competitive spirit.

For Miller, who will join the factory squad in 2026, this race offers an early chance to strengthen ties with Yamaha’s supporters. For Oliveira, it is likely one last opportunity to represent a Japanese brand at home. For Pramac Yamaha as a whole, it is their debut home race in a new partnership, and a chance to show that their transition from Ducati to Yamaha is moving in the right direction.

Looking Ahead

With Miller eager to revisit the site of his last MotoGP victory and Oliveira motivated to finish his Yamaha stint on a high, the 2025 Japanese GP promises to be a fascinating event. Yamaha fans, who are among the most passionate in the world, will undoubtedly pack the grandstands to support their riders, hoping for a strong showing in what has been a transitional but hopeful season for the manufacturer.

As Miller summed it up, Motegi is a “special place”—not just because of his personal memories but also because it represents Yamaha’s identity and legacy within MotoGP. The upcoming weekend will reveal whether Yamaha and its riders can translate that passion into results on track, balancing strengths in braking with the challenge of acceleration.

Conclusion

The Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi is shaping up to be a defining moment in the 2025 MotoGP season for Yamaha and its riders. Jack Miller returns to the scene of his last victory, carrying confidence, excitement, and anticipation of what lies ahead in 2026 when he officially joins the factory. Miguel Oliveira, on the other hand, embraces what may be his final chance to represent a Japanese manufacturer, motivated by Yamaha’s home advantage and recent improvements. Meanwhile, Pramac Yamaha begins its new chapter as a satellite team in front of the home crowd, eager to showcase progress.

Motegi will test their strengths and weaknesses, but more importantly, it will highlight the enduring passion and spirit of Yamaha’s racing family. For Miller, Oliveira, and the entire team, the Japanese GP is more than just another race—it is a celebration of heritage, resilience, and the pursuit of MotoGP glory.