Máximo Quiles and Joel Esteban aim to build on last weekend's strong performance

The CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team riders arrive in Malaysia ready to continue the same level of performance they showed at the Australian GP. Máximo Quiles fought for the podium until the final lap, when he was overtaken by his teammate Joel Esteban. The Spaniard will once again replace Dennis Foggia this weekend, while the team awaits for his full recovery. Their performances left a good impression last Sunday, when both competed for a podium finish in a difficult race and ended just a few thousandths short of achieving it. Quiles excelled in his debut at Phillip Island and, despite having barely had time to adapt to the Australian track, where he was unable to complete more than a dozen laps before qualifying, he was one of the most competitive riders in the category. His fifth-place position allowed him to close the gap in his fight for the Moto3 runner-up spot, a goal he already has in his sights. That second place remains the big question mark yet to be resolved in the lightweight category. Champion José Antonio Rueda continues to increase his lead after taking his tenth win of the year in Australia, but second and third positions are tighter than ever. Ángel Piqueras failed to score at Phillip Island after making a mistake and going off track, reducing the gap to Máximo Quiles to three points. With David Muñoz injured, the top three will almost surely be decided among Spanish riders. Joel Kelso and Álvaro Carpe still have a mathematical chance of catching the CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar rider, although they are two races behind with three races remaining.

With eight podium finishes, two of them being victories, Máximo Quiles will have another chance to establish himself as the Moto3 Rookie of the year in Malaysia if he finishes the race more than 50 points ahead of his rival, Álvaro Carpe, who currently trails him by 55 points. His teammate Joel Esteban took advantage of his opportunity in Australia. The Spaniard equalled his best result to date in the world championship and was within a few thousandths of achieving his first Moto3 podium. This time, Esteban aims to continue the same path and be consistent from the opening sessions to return to the top of the standings.

Máximo Quiles: “We're working on a track that's unfamiliar to me again, so it will be important to learn it quickly. I want to overcome the disappointment of not having achieved a podium in Australia. There's a chance of winning the ‘Rookie of the year’ title in Malaysia, but I'm not thinking about that: I want to take it race by race, trying to enjoy each one.”

Joel Esteban: “I hope Foggia is back at 100% soon. I'm really looking forward to racing in Malaysia. Last weekend I worked well with the team and got a good result on a circuit that was difficult for me. I feel very prepared to race in Sepang and fight for a good result. My goal is the same as at Phillip Island: to continue working hard from Thursday onwards to get the best set-up with the team and avoid making mistakes. If we continue like this, we can have a good race.”