Ajo will add “traction and power” to the KTM MotoGP team in 2025

KTM MotoGP rider Jack Miller says he regrets not being able to work with new KTM Factory Racing team manager Aki Ajo in 2025.

It was confirmed on Monday that Ajo will stop running his own Ajo Motorsport KTM team in Moto2/3 and replace incumbent Francesco Guidotti in the Austrian manufacturer’s MotoGP factory team next year.

But Miller will not benefit from the Finn’s “attraction and power” if he goes the other way and leaves for Pramac Yamaha after two seasons at KTM.

Ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, the Australian said he felt Ajo would be a positive change for KTM, which has struggled this season but will welcome star rider Pedro Acosta in his place next year.

“Aki doesn’t need the track,” said Miller, who knows Ajo well after winning six times for his Moto3 team in 2014.

“He doesn’t really care that much. He wants to win, that’s what it is. He comes in with that mentality: he knows what he wants and that’s it. It’s his way or the highway. He has that kind of magnetism and power.

“I know Aki turned down the role several times, but I think this seemed like the right time. It will be interesting to see.

“Obviously I’m sad about it (not being able to work with Ajo on the KTM factory team). Working with Aki is something special, something that is dear to me. We have worked together for the past ten years, so it would be fantastic to work with him again in such a role. But it wasn’t to be.

‘What would worry me even more is that he is resisting. I know how capable he can be as a team manager. I think he will be a good bullet in the KTM chamber.

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director, Aki Ajo

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

Miller was careful to add that Guidotti’s departure, a year before his contract expires, is not necessarily a reflection of the Italian’s potential.

“Francesco has tried to play a role there, but I don’t feel like he was given the best tools, let’s say, to do what needed to be done,” he said.

“That’s obviously partly on his part, protecting himself and his role, but I don’t feel like he was able to do what needed to be done.”

Japan was the scene of Miller’s most recent victory in MotoGP when he won there for Ducati in 2022, prior to his switch to KTM last year.

“Overall, Motegi is a circuit that I have enjoyed throughout my career and where I have performed well in the past. So fingers crossed we can make it work this weekend and have a solid one from start to finish. I have a feeling we’re in for one of those things.”