Quiles is amazed at himself: “Who would have thought that two weeks ago?”

Moto3 World Championship leader Maximo Quiles suffered a heavy crash during Moto3 qualifying at Silverstone in early August. With a broken collarbone, he was forced to return home and was unable to take part in the Grand Prix. Following a successful operation and two-and-a-half weeks of recovery, the Aspar rider was back on the grid for his home Grand Prix in Aragon.

It didn’t take long for the young Spaniard to get back into his stride. In qualifying, he secured third on the grid for his KTM. In the race, he got off to a good start and managed to hold his own in the leading group – which had shrunk to just four riders after only a few laps – with pole-sitter David Almansa (Intact GP) at the front. In the second half of the race, Almansa, Quiles, Carpe and Morelli battled it out for victory.

With five laps to go, Quiles took the lead. The protégé of MotoGP champion Marc Marquez then went on to secure victory, narrowly ahead of Almansa. Quiles crossed the finish line with a lead of 0.264 seconds. Team-mate Marco Morelli finished third.

“This is the most special victory of my career; it feels like a triumph. Who would have thought this two weeks ago, when I’d just had an operation?” said the 18-year-old, delighted. “I’ve spent the last twenty days focusing on my recovery, and I’m now very happy. The whole team has done a brilliant job – the physiotherapists, my coach… this win is for all of them!”

Quiles: “I just want to get into my truck and sleep”

How did he cope physically during the 17-lap race? “It was tough. I’m so tired – I just want to get into my truck and sleep,” smiled a tired but overjoyed Maximo Quiles. How bad was the pain during the race? “It wasn’t too bad; I was only in a bit of pain. To avoid it, though, I had to compensate a bit with my left arm and my legs. That’s why my whole body feels very tired. I wasn’t at 100 per cent all weekend, not even at 90. But I didn’t take too many risks in the race either. When I saw Almansa closing in, the Maximo from three weeks ago would have said I needed to push even harder. But this time I told myself I had to stick to my rhythm – and if he caught up with me, then so be it. I’m glad I was able to adapt mentally to the situation.”

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Quiles secured his seventh win of the season at Aragon. He has extended his lead at the top of the World Championship standings to 97 points. Alvaro Carpe is currently second, whilst David Almansa, who also put in a strong performance at Aragon, sits in third place.

Maximo Quiles

Foto: Gold & Goose