After ‘defeat’ to Almansa: Second match point for Quiles in Indonesia

Maximo Quiles could have sealed the deal in Japan last weekend. His lead in the overall standings is so substantial that he could have been crowned the 2026 Moto3 World Champion ahead of schedule at Motegi. However, he would also have needed a helping hand from his rivals.

It was not to be in Japan. Although Quiles put in a strong performance from fourth on the grid, one rider was even faster: David Almansa. The Intact rider won the Grand Prix by a razor-thin margin of 0.046 seconds ahead of Quiles. The KTM Ajo riders Álvaro Carpe and Brian Uriarte, who also still have a theoretical chance of winning the title, finished in third and fourth place.

“I didn’t feel good right from the start of the race and knew it was going to be tough,” said Quiles after the race. “It frustrated me when I crossed the finish line and realised I hadn’t given it my all – that’s why I’m a bit annoyed with myself. I always try to fight right to the end, but I know this result is very positive. We’ve picked up another twenty points and are continuing to secure podium finishes.”

A 127-point lead would be enough

With his second place at Motegi, Quiles has extended his lead in the overall standings to 127 points, meaning that in Indonesia he holds his world title fate entirely in his own hands. A win would be enough, regardless of how Almansa, Carpe and Uriarte fare. If Quiles finishes second, Almansa must not win; should the championship leader finish third, Almansa must not make it into the top three. In short: Quiles must have a 125-point lead after the Indonesian Grand Prix to secure the world title.

“It’s down to me, and that’s a huge motivation to fight for the win. We’ll see how the weekend goes; it doesn’t have to be any different from the others, so we’ll take it day by day to prepare well for the race. If we can fight for it on Sunday, we’ll give it our all,” said Maximo Quiles, looking ahead.

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09.10.2026 - 02:55