Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) is the 2026 Moto3 World Champion! The #28 has shown incredible pace and expert racecraft all season to secure the crown, sealing the deal with a stylish win at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia. He’s only the fourth rider in history to ever win a Championship – in any class – with five races remaining, alongside Marc Marquez, Giacomo Agostini and Mike Hailwood.
A STAR IN THE MAKING
Quiles, born in 2008, began his racing career at a young age, making headlines on minibikes before climbing through the Spanish ranks. The #28’s talent was clear, as he found himself in the MotoJunior paddock, making his European Cup debut in 2021. Incredible. The only word that comes close to describing his rookie season. Three victories, five podiums and plenty of encouraging signs. Backing that pace up the following two seasons, Quiles returned to the top step in 2022 before setting up a title attack in 2023. The Spanish star joined Aspar, winning five times and proving he was the real deal; the #28 took the 2023 European Cup crown.
There was a change of scenery in 2024 as he made the step up to the Moto3 Junior World Championship. Quiles impressed instantly, winning at the season finale and clinching third in the standings. Alongside his efforts in the MotoJunior paddock, he raced in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup for three seasons. Finishing third in the Championship on two occasions and picking up seven wins from his time in the class, Quiles’ name wasn’t far from the headlines. Aspar had seen enough, signing the #28 for the 2025 season – Quiles was Moto3 World Championship bound.
ROOKIE SENSATION
His rookie campaign was nothing short of incredible. His season didn’t get underway until COTA, with Quiles initially being too young to race in the opening two rounds. P5 on debut before a training crash forced the rookie to miss two rounds, returning in France. It didn’t take long for the ball to get rolling either, with Quiles earning podiums at Silverstone and Aragon before a maiden win at Mugello. Ending 2025 with three wins, nine podiums and two pole positions was an impressive addition to his CV, and set up a title attack…
QUILES’ CROWNING MOMENT
2026 couldn’t have started much better for Quiles, winning four of the opening six races and standing on the podium a further two times. Further wins in Hungary and Assen only upped his Championship momentum – bringing his lead to 104 points – as we reached the summer break in Germany. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the title leader, crashing in Q2 at Silverstone and sitting out the remainder of the weekend after a collarbone break.
His comeback and response? Winning the next round at MotorLand Aragon to make his intentions clear – the title attack wasn’t over. Quiles carried his incredible form to Misano and Austria, making it three consecutive race wins, extending his lead to 131 points and setting up his first match point in Japan. His future might already be decided, with the Spanish sensation confirming the move to Moto2 next season, but his mission in Moto3 wasn’t over yet.
The deal wasn’t sealed just yet though. A second place in Motegi, under the pressure of his first match point, was impressive – but closest title rival David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) made a stunning last stand to make Quiles wait for it.
The #28’s moment in the spotlight then finally arrived at the Indonesian GP. Quiles was right at the front from the off, escaped a huge group scuffle for the podium and kept it calm to the line for his 10th win of the season, crowning himself 2026 Moto3 World Champion.
Congratulations, Maximo!