MotoGP star returns to endurance racing with Yamaha, but which WorldSBK rider will partner him?
Jack Miller is set to make a return to endurance racing, joining the Yamaha Factory Racing Team for the 46th edition of the iconic “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8 Hours this August. The announcement comes as part of Yamaha’s celebrations marking the company’s 70th anniversary in 2025.
Revealed during the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd confirmed that Miller will line up alongside Japanese legend Katsuyuki Nakasuga under the guidance of Team Manager and former All Japan Superbike Champion Wataru Yoshikawa. A third rider will be selected from Yamaha’s current World Superbike roster, with an official announcement expected soon.
Miller’s inclusion makes strategic sense for Yamaha. His wealth of experience and adaptability across different bike formats, and existing Suzuka credentials, make him a potent addition to the factory endurance effort. The 29-year-old competed in the 2017 Suzuka 8 Hours with the MuSASHi RT HARC-PRO Honda team, teaming up with Takumi Takahashi and Takaaki Nakagami. The trio delivered a solid performance, finishing just off the podium in fourth place. That taste of endurance competition left a lasting impression on Miller, who has expressed his desire to return and aim for a victory at the prestigious Japanese event.
Yamaha’s return to the Suzuka 8 Hours as a factory entry — their first since 2019 — is part of a wider celebration of the company’s motorsport heritage. Yamaha was founded on July 1, 1955, and entered its first race just nine days later.
Nakasuga, a 12-time All Japan JSB1000 Champion and four-time Suzuka 8 Hours winner with Yamaha (2015–2018), brings valuable experience and race craft to the team. The third seat remains the subject of speculation. Jonathan Rea has prior Suzuka 8 Hours success having won with Honda and Kawasaki, but recent injury setbacks may see him opt out.
That would leave Locatelli, Gardner and Dominique Aegerter in the mix, with only ‘Dommy’ having participated in the event before, taking podium finishes in 2014, 2015 and 2017. Adding spice to the decision is the fact that all three riders are currently without a contract next year, and a standout performance at the prestigious event could be beneficial for 2026 negotiations with Yamaha – particularly as current WorldSSP leader Stefano Manzi is expected to move up to the WorldSBK GMT94 team at the expense of either Gardner or Aegerter, though Gardner has had the more consistent results thus far this season.
Preparations for the 2025 event will begin with two private test days on July 3–4. The 46th Suzuka 8 Hours officially kicks off on Friday, August 1 with practice and qualifying, followed by the Top Ten Trial on Saturday and the race itself on Sunday.
General Manager – Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.’s Motorsports Strategy Division – “This year marks the 70th anniversary of Yamaha’s founding, and our factory entry in the Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race is a major part of our commemorative racing programme. With the goal of writing a new page in our 70-year history of taking on challenges and to deliver excitement to our fans worldwide who have supported us throughout those 70 years, we have been looking for the best rider line-up to win the Suzuka 8 Hours. I am now proud to announce that our second rider will be current MotoGP regular Jack Miller.
“Miller has been a very important part of our double factory line-up in MotoGP. Since the opening round of the season, he has contributed not just to testing and development but has also spurred on the entire Yamaha team with his fighting attitude and strong presence. With his previous experience in the Suzuka 8 Hours he is the perfect fit for the Yamaha Racing Team as we aim for victory in 2025.
“Just as he already does in MotoGP, Miller will bring to the team his experience, knowledge, passion, and fighting spirit. With Miller in our line-up, we’re aiming to put on a race that will be remembered by fans around the world. The team’s third rider will be announced at a later date, so please keep an eye on future announcements.”
Jack Miller – “It’s obviously a massive honour for me to be able to represent Yamaha at the Suzuka 8 Hours this year. It’s a race I’ve been wanting to go back to since 2017 when I finished fourth, losing to Yamaha that time. It’s a big pleasure that I get to ride that Yamaha R1 motorcycle this time and represent the factory Yamaha Racing Team in Japan at such a prestigious race. Like I said, I’ve been dreaming of this race, and to have the opportunity to come back with such a strong team is a massive pleasure. I look forward to hopefully a good result for them at home and receiving some big support from the Japanese fans.”
