KTM MotoGP rider Jack Miller says he’s unhappy that he received’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 substitute incumbent Francesco Guidotti within the Austrian producer’s works MotoGP squad subsequent yr.
However Miller received’t profit from the Finn’s “pull and energy” as he strikes within the different course, departing for Pramac Yamaha after two seasons with KTM.
Talking forward of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, the Australian mentioned 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,” mentioned 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 needs to win, that’s about it. He’s coming in with that mentality – he is aware of what he needs and that’s it. It’s his approach or the freeway. He has that form of pull and energy.
“I do know Aki has turned down the function on a number of events however I feel now appeared like the precise time. It’ll be attention-grabbing 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 form of a task can be incredible. However it wasn’t to be.
“What would make me extra apprehensive is working in opposition to him. I understand how succesful he will be as a staff supervisor. I feel he’ll be a very good bullet in [the KTM] chamber.”
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director, Aki Ajo
Picture by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Photographs
Miller cautiously added that Guidotti’s departure a yr earlier than his contract runs out isn’t essentially a mirrored image of the Italian’s potential.
“Francesco has tried to step into a task there, however I don’t really feel like he was given the perfect instruments, let’s say, to do what wanted to be achieved,” he mentioned.
“That’s partly on his aspect, clearly, defending himself and his function, however I don’t really feel like he’s been in a position to do what wanted to be achieved.”
Japan was the scene of Miller’s most up-to-date win in MotoGP when he received there for Ducati in 2022, forward of his swap to KTM final yr.
“Motegi is usually a observe I’ve preferred my entire profession and achieved effectively at prior to now. So fingers crossed we will get it working good this weekend and have a stable one from begin to end. I really feel like we’re due a type of.”