Maximo Quiles received a strong vote of confidence from the MotoGP paddock, with several riders including Marc and Alex Marquez tipping the teenager as the favourite to win the 2026 Moto3 championship.
The 17-year-old Aspar rider finished third in last season’s standings behind champion Jose Antonio Rueda and runner-up Angel Piqueras, despite missing four of the first five rounds of the campaign.
Quiles’ rapid rise, which saw him getting crowned Moto3 Rookie of the Year in 2025, did not go unnoticed by the premier-class grid, drawing backing from MotoGP stars such as Francesco Bagnaia and Marco Bezzecchi.
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“It’s hard to put your money anywhere else but Quiles,” Jack Miller told The Race.
“At the end of last year, he was pushing, and for sure this year he will be the favourite,” added Diogo Moreira.
Quiles was not the only contender being talked up as Alvaro Carpe, who finished fourth last season, received backing from Pedro Acosta and Jorge Martin, while Raul Fernandez voiced his support for his brother Adrian.
Other names mentioned as potential title challengers included Marco Morelli, Valentin Perrone and Brian Uriarte.
The 2026 Moto3 season gets underway at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, with the opening round scheduled from February 27 to March 1.
Catch the season opener live on SPOTV NOW.
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