2027: from MotoGP to Superbike
The news has been in the air for several days, and finally it has become reality: Jack Miller will move to Superbike from the next season. The Australian, currently in MotoGP, has signed a two-year contract with the Pata Maxus Yamaha team, which will allow him to continue his career after announcing he wants to end his experience in the World Championship at the end of this year.
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Tests at Suzuka
For the 31-year-old, a new chapter begins, still with Yamaha, admitting he had done tests in the recent past that convinced him: “I am very excited to announce that I will join WorldSBK with Yamaha – he said – I had a lot of fun working with this manufacturer in recent years in MotoGP and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to see what we can do with the R1. In the last two years I have tested the bike a bit at Suzuka and, although the WorldSBK-spec bike is a bit different, I am very eager to start this next chapter of my career and I hope to do well.”
Welcoming him to the team for 2027 was Niccolò Canepa, Road Racing Sporting Manager Yamaha Motor Europe: “We are very excited to welcome Jack Miller to the Yamaha project in WorldSBK in 2027 and, personally, I am very happy that he is joining our team. The opportunity to bring a rider with his experience and talent into our official team was too good to miss and we look forward to the first tests. His MotoGP experience and knowledge of Michelin tires will be very important for us. He has already achieved great results with the R1 at Suzuka, we are excited to see what he can do in WorldSBK and what he can contribute to the development of the R1. Beyond the technical aspect, Jack’s personality and international profile will be of great value to strengthen Yamaha’s presence and bring even more attention to WorldSBK. We are eager to start this new chapter together.”
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Vierge says goodbye
But for one rider coming in, there will be another who will leave the team: it is the Spaniard Xavi Vierge, author of an experience as brief as it was disappointing with Yamaha. Called for the 2026 season by the team to replace Jonathan Rea, who retired from competition, the 29-year-old was not renewed. Consequently, Miller will be Andrea Locatelli’s new teammate.
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