The CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team rider finished in eighth position, while his teammate Joel Esteban, thirteenth, also qualified for Q2

Máximo Quiles and Joel Esteban did their homework at the start of the Australian Grand Prix. The CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team riders secured direct passage to Q2 on a day marked by changing track conditions. Máximo Quiles posted the eighth fastest time of the session, while his teammate Joel Esteban was thirteenth. On this occasion, the trio of Spanish riders made up of David Almansa, Adrián Fernández and Álvaro Carpe were the fastest on Friday. 

The Moto3 free practice session began in wet conditions and strong winds. The CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team riders had a great free practice session despite the difficult riding conditions, with Máximo Quiles as the second fastest rider on his debut at Phillip Island and Joel Esteban in fourth place. In the afternoon, with the track dry, the wind was the main factor and continued to test the skills of all the riders in the category. The numerous crashes that occurred throughout the day at Phillip Island made it clear that any mistake could affect the outcome of the practice session. Quiles went from strength to strength and rode solidly to take one of the top positions in the standings. The rookie in the category tried to close the gap with the fastest riders and, after fourteen laps, finished in eighth position, seven tenths behind the leader with a time of 1:35.494. On the other hand, his teammate Joel Esteban also achieved his goal for Friday. The Spaniard, who is replacing Dennis Foggia this weekend due to the Italian's illness, took advantage of his experience from last year on the Australian track to adapt quickly. Esteban had some difficulties in the early minutes, but pushed hard in the final part of the afternoon session. Thanks to a time of 1:35.801, he secured a place in tomorrow's Q2 after finishing in thirteenth position. This means that both riders will avoid Q1 at Phillip Island and will be in contention for the top positions on the starting grid.

8th Máximo Quiles 1:35.494 (+0.768): “I'm happy with today and I really liked the circuit. I've really enjoyed these first sessions. It's very windy and that makes riding difficult, you have to hold on tight to the bike. We've made it through to Q2 and achieved our goal. Tomorrow we'll work on refining some details and getting as ready as possible for Sunday's race.”

12+1 Joel Esteban 1:35.801 (+1.075): “I'm very happy with how the first day went. In the morning we started in wet conditions, although the track dried out. I felt quite comfortable with the bike, but I had a small crash on the second lap. It was a bit strange, but it didn't have any major consequences. Last year I didn't finish here with good feelings and I arrived with some doubts, but I can be happy after today. We have to improve the pace because I find it a bit difficult to work with the wind, but I felt comfortable and we were able to go straight through to Q2. Tomorrow morning we will try to work on that aspect so that I feel better in the race.”