The Yamaha rider was entering the high speed first turn when the bike fell out from beneath him. Miller and his YZF-R1 slid through the gravel before the bike hit the wall.
“All okay,” Miller said afterwards.
“I’m suffering there honestly a lot to stop the bike. We are a little bit soft in the front.
“In full time attack mode, you ask a little bit more and she said ‘no mas’.
“It has been a good day so far and thankfully I am okay. Turn 1 is a fast spot and the wall is quite close so I’m glad I didn’t [hit the wall].”
The Suzuka 8 Hour is part of the FIM Endurance World Championship, and this year marks Miller’s first visit to the race since 2018.
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This year’s race is the 46th edition of the multi-rider enduro, which features a few high-profile names.
The factory Honda team was fastest in qualifying with MotoGP rider Johann Zarco and Takumi Takahashi with a 2:05.187s average best lap between them.
AutoRace Ube Racing Team were seconds with Loriz Baz and Naomichi Uramoto the quickest of its three-rider line-up on a 2:05.346s average with Davey Todd.
Jack Miller felt the full force of turn one during qualifying at #Suzuka8Hours – but was back up and out with the team qualifying for the Top 10 Trial 💪#FIMEWC pic.twitter.com/VTrLVL1tlX
— FIM EWC (@FIM_EWC) August 1, 2025
Miller and Andrea Locatelli combined for the third fastest time on a 2:05.539s with Katsuyuki Nakasuga.
“With so many bikes on the track, it was hard to get a clear lap,” said Locatelli.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t have so much opportunity to test, so I haven’t been able to fully get used to the 8 Hours spec R1.
“Especially for me, this is my first time riding at Suzuka Circuit with other riders.
“Just before my second qualifying session, Miller had a crash, so I had to use the spare bike with a slightly different feel.
“Despite all the challenges in qualifying, I’m really happy the team managed to set a good time. Overall, I think we’re doing a great job.
“We are going against some strong teams, but if we can maintain our pace, we can reach the podium and even the win.”
A Top 10 Shootout will determine the grid. Sunday’s race gets underway at 12:30pm AEST with coverage live on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports.
“For tomorrow’s Top 10 Trial, of course I want to ride in it, but that’s not something I can decide on my own,” Locatelli jokes.
“What we know is that whoever does ride it, we’ll be able to get a great result.”
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