For years, MotoGP fueled the fantasy of the prodigy capable of skipping categories. The faster a rider reached the premier class, the more exceptional their talent seemed. Jack Miller went directly from Moto3 to MotoGP, while Pedro Acosta, Fabio Quartararo, and Fermin Aldeguer joined the elite at just 19 years old. Maximo Quiles could have been tempted by the same trajectory. At 18, the Spanish rider dominated the Moto3 season with rare authority: six wins in eleven races, only one finish outside the podium, and a lead of over one hundred points before the summer break. Yet, he chose the more sensible path. In 2027, Quiles will remain with Aspar but will move up to Moto2.
A decision that could be the most important of his young career. Jorge Martinez He makes no secret of his enthusiasm at the prospect of continuing the work begun with his pilot. We are delighted to welcome Máximo Quiles to our Moto2 team " said the boss ofAsparagus that holds the top spot. " This year he was the rider to beat in Moto3, and we will continue to work hard in the coming months to win the championship title before moving up to the intermediate category. »
The message is clear: before thinking about MotoGP, Quiles must finish what he started in Moto3.
Aspar also emphasizes the continuity of its training model. With Maximo's arrival in Moto2, as we did for Arenas, Guevara et AlonsoWe continue to strengthen our driver development model, from the lower categories up to the World Championship. »
The person in question does not give the impression of viewing this step as a mere obligation. I'm really looking forward to riding the Moto2 ", Explain Maximo Quiles that holds the top spot. " I think it's a motorcycle that perfectly matches my style and that I'm going to have a lot of fun with. »
Quiles does not choose the Moto2 Whether out of caution or by default, he believes that this category can allow him to develop qualities that will be essential later on: tire management, adapting to a heavier motorcycle, braking, maintaining pace over time, and working technically with engineers.
MotoGP can wait for Quiles
His results could have justified a direct move to the top category. The 2027 regulations will introduce engines of 850 cc and the tires Pirelliwhich could theoretically reduce the advantage of experienced pilots. Quiles would also have benefited from the invaluable support of Marc Marquez,Alex Marquez and Jaime Martinez within Vertical Management.
But his age makes any haste unnecessary. 18 years oldHe would have been one of the youngest riders in MotoGP history. Such a leap would have placed him in a situation where he would have had to learn the premier class while simultaneously participating in the development of entirely new motorcycles. The risk would have been immense.
The maturity of Quiles This is also evident in his approach to the second half of the season. The first half of the season has been very good and our goal is clearly to stay in first place », He affirms. " For the second half, I will continue to work in the same way. I won't change anything about my approach, because it works. »
He therefore refuses to be distracted by his upcoming move to Moto2 or through speculation surrounding his potential arrival in MotoGP. I need to stay focused, because there are still many races to go."A simple sentence, but revealing of a driver who doesn't seem to want to run faster than his own career."
In reality, going through Moto2 could also be a strategic choice. The majority of MotoGP riders competing in 2027 are expected to sign two-year contracts. The top spots will therefore likely only become available for 2029.
By competing in one or two seasons in Moto2, Quiles could arrive on the market at the ideal time, with more experience and without having sacrificed an essential step in its development. Maximo Quiles He could have transformed his dominance in Moto3 into an immediate ticket to MotoGP. He preferred to transform this advantage into a learning experience.
Jorge Martinez believes that he is ready to take on all the challenges that await him ». Quiles He, for his part, asserts that Moto2 suits his style and that he will not change a method that works. In a sport obsessed with youth and rapid promotions, this patience deserves to be highlighted. MotoGP does not move away from Maximo QuilesHe's simply waiting for her a little further away.
