Jack Miller has begun his long farewell to MotoGP at the most fitting of locations.
The Australian fan favourite will be leaving Grand Prix racing at the end of the season after 15 seasons when he heads to WorldSBK with Pata Maxus Yamaha.
Miller’s departure was confirmed earlier in the season, but now, with five races to go, his goodbye has begun at his home Australian Grand Prix.
The weekend’s event isn’t just a MotoGP farewell for Miller, but the Phillip Island circuit too, as it will be replaced by Adelaide for the 2027 season.
First, though, Miller had to say a big thank you to his family and team, which brought him to tears in a rare show of emotion.
The Pramac Yamaha rider will be aboard a special livery for his final home race in the yellow and green Australian sporting colours.
His No.21 bike was revealed to his family and colleagues after riding the standard livery in practice, and things got emotional.
Jack Miller reduced to tears after special Pramac Yamaha tribute
Miller told those on the track: “Thank you everybody, all of you guys that are going to come sit on here, most of you I’ve worked with for over half my career.
“Paolo (Campinoti Pramac CEO) for taking me in these last few years, I know it hasn’t been easy but you took me in because you’re a silly man.
“I couldn’t be here without you guys, quite honestly, this journey probably should have ended about 15 years ago and we’ve been able to achieve so many amazing things, all of us together.”
He then broke down in tears as he finished: “I couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you.”
Earlier, Miller previewed his emotions upon arriving at the legendary island track.
Miller speaks about emotional weekend
He wrote on social media: “Not sure how I’m supposed to keep it together this weekend.
“A pretty bloody special surprise from the team with this livery for my final MotoGP race here at the Island. Honestly means the world to me.
“To have my family, my girls, my mates and all these legends around me for one last home GP is something I’ll never forget. Feeling pretty damn lucky.”
He then posted a video with world champions and two of his fellow Australians, writing: “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be able to call Kevin Schwantz and Casey Stoner my mates.”
Thankfully for Australian fans, they will have a home hero in 2027 with Senna Agius called up from Moto2 by KTM Tech3.
There will also be a race in the country at the newly-built Adelaide street circuit.
Miller will also be able to return to Phillip Island in Superbikes, but he was the first to pay tribute to the legendary track’s final MotoGP race with a spoken poem.
Miller reveals emotional message ahead of final Phillip Island MotoGP race
He said: “Thank you for everything, for so much, for being my beloved island. My animal paradise, my wildest adventure.
“This is a goodbye, yes, but today I want to celebrate, celebrate having known you. Yes we’ve fallen, we’ve failed, but with you I’ve also learned to ride the wind, to fly, to be different, you’ve made me stronger, better.
“Almost thirty years of unforgettable stories and I know I can’t ask for anymore of you, but before I say goodbye let’s make one last memory together, one last story together.”