Gladiator Maximo Quiles Crowned Moto3 World Champion

Maximo Quiles wrapped up the 2026 Moto3 World Championship in dominant fashion with an emphatic victory at the Indonesian Grand Prix. It marked the Spaniard's 10th win in just 16 starts this season.

Starting from sixth on the grid, the Aspar rider carved his way into the lead by lap two. Quiles quickly began to pull clear as battles raged behind him, though a moment of drama arose just before the halfway mark of the 20-lap race when he made a mistake at Turn 16.

Despite losing around a second in the incident, Quiles quickly regained his composure and delivered a faultless ride to the chequered flag, crossing the line 2.9 seconds ahead of his main title challenger, David Almansa.

The Intact GP rider attempted a late charge during the second half of the race, but Quiles matched his pace effortlessly, leaving Almansa to settle for second place once again.

Pole-sitter Brian Uriarte completed the podium at Mandalika after prevailing in a fierce late-race scrap with Matteo Bertelle. The KTM rider held on to third by the narrowest of margins, edging out his Italian rival by just 0.094 seconds at the line.

Bertelle took fourth, while Rico Salmela rounded out the top five. Home hero Veda Pratama crossed the line in sixth ahead of Adrian Fernandez, Guido Pini, Joel Esteban, and Scott Ogden, who completed the top 10. The remaining points went to Ryusei Yamanaka, Hakim Danish, Adrian Cruces, Valentin Perrone, and Jesus Rios.

In the overall standings, Quiles claims the title with 351 points, holding an unassailable 132-point advantage over Almansa with five rounds still to spare. Uriarte sits third, 148 points off the top.

Following the race, Quiles celebrated his triumph with a nod to the iconic film "Gladiator"—whose hero Maximus, played by Russell Crowe, inspired the tribute. With this crowning achievement, Quiles officially enters the colosseum of Aspar world champions.

Quiles also enters the record books as the first rider in Moto3 history to clinch the world title with five rounds to spare. Back in pit lane, the new champion was congratulated by mentors Marc and Alex Marquez, with whom he frequently trains between race weekends.

The Moto3 season resumes in a fortnight (23-25 October) with the Australian Grand Prix, which makes its final appearance at Phillip Island before heading to the Adelaide street circuit next year.