How Máximo Quiles can clinch the Moto3 World Championship at the Japanese Grand Prix

Máximo Quiles is enjoying a sensational Moto3 campaign, with the young Spaniard claiming nine victories and 12 podiums across his 14 starts in the 15 races held so far in 2026. His only finish outside the rostrum came at the Italian Grand Prix, where he crossed the line down in 11th.

Given that dominant run of form, it comes as no surprise that the Aspar rider holds a commanding lead in the standings. In fact, he could wrap up the world championship as early as this Sunday at the Japanese Grand Prix—a staggering six rounds before the end of the season. To secure the crown, Quiles must leave Motegi with at least a 150-point cushion over his nearest challenger. He currently leads Alvaro Carpe by 131 points, with David Almansa and Brian Uriarte both 132 points adrift.

With those margins in play, Quiles faces a tall order in the Land of the Rising Sun and will need results elsewhere to go his way. The baseline requirement for the Spaniard is a top-two finish in Sunday's race. Anything less will put title celebrations on hold until at least the Indonesian Grand Prix the following week.

If Quiles wins at Motegi, Carpe must finish no higher than 10th, while Almansa and Uriarte cannot finish better than ninth. If Quiles finishes second, Carpe must be 15th or lower, with Almansa and Uriarte finishing no higher than 14th. Given the form all four riders have shown throughout the season, such scenarios remain unlikely, though certainly not impossible.

Should Quiles seal the crown this weekend, he will eclipse the achievements of the previous two Moto3 champions, David Alonso and José Antonio Rueda. Both riders wrapped up their titles early after dominant campaigns with four rounds to spare, but Quiles has the opportunity to achieve the feat with six races remaining.

Photos: Red Bull Content Pool