Just 150 points remain up for grabs after Japan, and for Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team), that can only mean one thing: match point. The Spanish sensation heads to Japan with a 131-point advantage over his title rivals, giving him his first opportunity to be crowned World Champion.
What does Quiles need to do?
Simply put, if Quiles leaves Motegi with at least a 150-point advantage, then the #28 will be crowned your 2026 Moto3 World Champion. Four riders remain in mathematical contention, with Quiles, Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo), David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) and Brian Uriarte (Red Bull KTM Ajo) all facing a crucial weekend at Motegi.
If Quiles wins on Sunday and takes the maximum 25 points available, he would need Carpe to finish P10 or below, while Almansa and Uriarte would both need to finish P9 or lower. The #28 can also seal the title with a second-place finish. In that scenario, Carpe would need to finish P15 or below, with Almansa and Uriarte crossing the line P14 or lower.
Third place or lower wouldn’t be enough for Quiles to become World Champion, meaning the Moto3 title fight would continue until at least Indonesia.
It has already been an incredible season for Quiles, who has earned nine race wins and 13 podiums from the opening 15 rounds. The #28 has already scored 32 points more than his entire 2025 campaign, underlining just how impressive his form has been this year.
Join us this weekend for a potential title-deciding weekend at Motegi. The Moto3 field heads lights out at 11:00 Local Time (UTC +9) on Sunday morning, so don’t miss out!