KTM MotoGP rider Jack Miller says he’s unhappy that he gained’t be round to work with incoming KTM Manufacturing unit Racing staff supervisor Aki Ajo in 2025.
It was confirmed on Monday that Ajo will step away from working his personal Ajo Motorsport KTM staff in Moto2/3 and exchange incumbent Francesco Guidotti within the Austrian producer’s works MotoGP squad subsequent yr.
However Miller gained’t profit from the Finn’s “pull and energy” as he strikes within the different path, departing for Pramac Yamaha after two seasons with KTM.
Talking forward of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, the Australian stated he felt Ajo can be a constructive change for KTM, which has struggled this season however will welcome star rider Pedro Acosta in his place subsequent yr.
“Aki doesn’t want the job,” stated Miller, who is aware of Ajo effectively after successful six occasions for his Moto3 squad in 2014.
“He doesn’t actually give a s**t. He desires to win, that’s about it. He’s coming in with that mentality – he is aware of what he desires and that’s it. It’s his manner or the freeway. He has that kind of pull and energy.
“I do know Aki has turned down the position on a number of events however I believe now appeared like the fitting time. It’ll be fascinating to see.
“Clearly I’m unhappy about [not being able to work with Ajo at the KTM factory squad]. Working with Aki is one thing particular, one thing I maintain dearly. We’ve labored collectively for the final 10 years, so to work with him once more in that kind of a job can be incredible. Nevertheless it wasn’t to be.
“What would make me extra fearful is working in opposition to him. I understand how succesful he will be as a staff supervisor. I believe he’ll be a very good bullet in [the KTM] chamber.”
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director, Aki Ajo
Picture by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Photos
Miller cautiously added that Guidotti’s departure a yr earlier than his contract runs out will not be essentially a mirrored image of the Italian’s potential.
“Francesco has tried to step into a job there, however I don’t really feel like he was given the most effective instruments, let’s say, to do what wanted to be carried out,” he stated.
“That’s partly on his facet, clearly, defending himself and his position, however I don’t really feel like he’s been in a position to do what wanted to be carried out.”
Japan was the scene of Miller’s most up-to-date win in MotoGP. He gained there for Ducati in 2022, forward of his change to KTM final yr.
“Motegi is mostly a monitor I’ve appreciated my entire profession and carried out effectively at previously. So fingers crossed we are able to get it working good this weekend and have a stable one from begin to end. I really feel like we’re due a kind of.”
He says qualifying would be the key to his probabilities of repeating that success.
“The largest factor for us is making an attempt to do a good qualifying. Lacking out on Q2 the final two weeks has value us dearly.”
