Moto3 sensation Max Quiles: Almost world champion after Spielberg victory

Up until lap 7, it didn’t look like it was going to be a walk in the park for Máximo Quiles at the Red Bull Ring. The World Championship leader, who started from fifth on the second row, was clearly struggling to match the pace of the leading rider, David Almansa, who was riding furiously, and had several worrying wobbles. But then it was the Intact rider who sent his bike into the gravel on lap eight, thereby paving the way for Quiles’ victory.

It was the KTM rider’s ninth win of the season already, and he has also finished on the podium in 13 out of 15 races. “He really pushed hard and set an excellent pace,” said Quiles, praising his compatriot. “I was able to keep up with him, but I had a few tricky moments in the process. After he crashed, I rode my own race. He’d had soft tyres fitted at the front and rear, which is why he was so fast at the start and I had a few problems. However, I knew that if I kept up with him, I’d have an advantage towards the end. His crash meant it didn’t come to that – there would certainly have been another battle.”

The CFMoto Aspar rider’s consistency is reflected in a comfortable 131-point lead in the World Championship. In second to fourth place, separated by just one point, are Álvaro Carpe, Almansa and Brian Uriarte. “As I wasn’t under any immediate pressure, I took the pace off a bit,” the 18-year-old Quiles continued. “At the same time, my rhythm had to be fast enough to stop Brian from catching me. So I maintained a consistent pace.”

Remarkably, with seven races still to go, Quiles could clinch the Moto3 World Championship as early as Motegi, provided his lead is 150 points or more. If it doesn’t happen in Japan, it will likely happen in Indonesia at the Mandalika Street Circuit at the very latest.

Two years ago, David Alonso also won the Moto3 World Championship with five races to go. Quiles can match this record – and perhaps even beat it. “Yes, that could actually happen, though it’ll be tough,” the Spaniard acknowledges. “I’ll just carry on as I have been, which means working hard, taking it one race at a time and staying focused on Friday and Saturday. Things are going well. When the time comes, I’ll be world champion and happy – hopefully very soon.”

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02.10.2026 - 01:55