2026 Thai Grand Prix: Podium finishes for Quiles and Holgado

Máximo Quiles during the race on his blue CFMoto, followed by several motorcycles

The opening of the 2026 season at the Buriram International Circuit will remain etched in the memories of the CFMOTO Aspar Team. Between the jubilation of a historic Moto3 finale and the shock caused by a spectacular Moto2 accident, the team led by Jorge Martínez experienced every possible emotion under the Thai sun.

Moto3: The closest finish in history for Quiles

Third overall in 2025, Máximo Quiles (#28) proved that he is the new natural leader of the category. Riding his CFMOTO (KTM base), the young prodigy delivered an epic duel against David Almansa.

After leading part of the race and managing a minor scare on lap 14, Quiles launched a sharp attack in the final corner of the Grand Prix. The two riders crossed the finish line side by side in unbearable suspense. The photo finish verdict was in: Almansa won by 0.003 seconds. It was simply one of the smallest margins ever recorded in a Grand Prix.

Maximo Quiles This is an important podium to start the season. The race was very demanding because of the heat, but I knew I could fight for the win. We missed out on victory by a whisker, but leaving here with 20 points and this level of performance is very satisfying for the whole team.

For his part, Marco Morelli (#97) fulfilled his contract perfectly on his debut. Finishing 8th, just 11 seconds behind the winner, the Spanish-Argentinian rider achieved his best result to date and confirmed the competitiveness of the CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar duo.

Moto2: Holgado solid in a race of elimination

The intermediate category, where CFMOTO uses the Kalex reference chassis, was marked by extreme tension and two red flag interruptions.

Dani Holgado (#96), buoyed by his 208 points last year, made a perfect start to the race, taking the lead on the second lap after a mistake by Izan Guevara. Despite multiple restarts that turned the race into a nervous 7-lap sprint, Holgado kept his cool to clinch 3rd place.

It was a choppy race, very difficult to concentrate, explains Holgado. My strength was my pace over distance, so these short formats didn't necessarily work in my favor, but this podium is an excellent foundation for the future.

The David Alonso miracle: I couldn't move

The most striking image of the weekend remains David Alonso's (#80) terrifying high-side on the fourth lap. The 2024 Moto3 world champion, who was making his Moto2 debut, lost control of his bike before being hit by another rider.

The Colombian lay motionless in the gravel for several long seconds, sending a chill through the paddock. His comments after his medical examination testify to the violence of the crash:

I'm fine and luckily I haven't broken anything. I was very scared because the crash was very violent. I felt the impact and, once I was in the gravel, I couldn't move. I felt like I was losing control ," said David after the race, adding, "I'msore all over, especially my left foot, right leg, and right shoulder, but I'm okay. Now I want to rest and recover."