The CFMOTO GAVIOTA Aspar Team rider secures his tenth victory to clinch the Moto3 title
Máximo Quiles knew that it was down to him this Sunday to clinch the Moto3 title, and he did not disappoint. The CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team rider won in Indonesia with a lead of almost three seconds over his main rival, David Almansa, who finished in second place. Brian Uriarte finished third, whilst Álvaro Carpe suffered a crash. The newly crowned world champion led from practically the first lap and set the pace to secure his tenth win of the season, thereby becoming the rider with the second-highest number of victories in the junior class.
Just before the Moto3 race began, Máximo Quiles was clear about his first task of the day: to catch up with his rivals in the standings, who were starting from the front row of the grid, whilst he was starting from sixth place. The CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar rider needed just one corner to catch up with them and, one lap later, he was already leading the race. From that moment on, Quiles set his own pace, aware that a win would secure the title for him regardless of the others’ results. Unlike what had happened throughout the season, the gap kept widening and he led unchallenged, keeping his cool and mindful that this time the main objective went beyond simply winning. Despite making a minor mistake that narrowed the gap to Almansa, the Murcia-born rider recovered and lapped faster than the race record that had stood until today. Quiles crossed the finish line with a lead of almost three seconds, securing his tenth win of the year and clinching the Moto3 title with 15 podium finishes and 351 points. Furthermore, he has achieved something only the greatest riders have managed: he is the fifth rider in history to win a world title in any category with five races still to go (following Hailwood, Agostini, Rossi and Márquez).
His team-mate Marco Morelli was unable to finish in the points in Indonesia. The CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team rider failed to get through Q1 yesterday and had to start from the back of the grid. Penalties handed to other riders yesterday allowed him to move up several places on the starting grid, but the challenge remained considerable. Morelli overtook several rivals as the lights went out, but his riding feel wasn’t good and the Argentine struggled in a race made particularly demanding by the high temperatures. He eventually crossed the finish line in eighteenth place, seven tenths of a second outside the points.
Win Máximo Quiles: “We can now say we’ve achieved our main goal: I’m world champion. It sounds incredible. I’m lost for words and very grateful to everyone who has helped me along this journey. During the final laps, I was thinking about the whole season and my family (and my cats too, of course – I wish they’d been here). I experienced that final lap like never before; it was unique and the one I enjoyed the most. This has only just begun; I’m going to keep fighting for more dreams. I’ll never forget this day; I hope there are many more like it. I’m going to give it my all, like a gladiator. The celebration was incredible; I’ve always wanted to celebrate it ‘Maximus Decimus Meridius’ style, and that’s exactly how it turned out. It was also my tenth victory – it’s destiny. If I have to dedicate the title to someone, I can’t single out just one person; I dedicate it to everyone: to the team, to my whole family, and especially to my granny, who passed away this year and would have loved to see me as champion; wherever she is, I’m sure she saw it. I’ve also been thinking a lot about my teammates, especially Luis Salom, Hugo Millán and Pau Alsina. They’re always in my thoughts. All my people have made me feel better than ever. It’s been incredible. Thank you, everyone!”
18th Marco Morelli (+26.776): “It was a difficult and very challenging race. I started from the back, it was very hot, and I tried to get into a good position. I didn’t manage to feel completely comfortable all weekend. I’m struggling to find the right feel. We have to try and get out of this situation and improve. I’ve shown that we have the speed; we mustn’t give up or think negatively. I’ll keep trying to do my best. I got really tired in this race and was in quite a bit of pain; I think this week will do me good to recover physically and mentally. I’m looking forward to tackling the remaining races to turn the situation around.”
