Marco Bezzecchi
Jack Miller made history by jumping from Moto3 straight to MotoGP in 2015, and Neil Hodgson is backing Maximo Quiles to do the same.
After finishing second in Moto3 in 2014, Miller made the bold move to skip Moto2 and head to the premier class with LCR Honda. Scott Redding thought Miller would be a ‘massive disaster’ in MotoGP, but he has since grabbed four wins and 23 podiums.
Only one other rider in history has gone from Moto3 to MotoGP, with Darryn Binder, brother of Brad Binder, making the jump in 2022, although his premier class career lasted just one season. Now, Hodgson believes that Quiles is capable of making the step as well.
Neil Hodgson says Maximo Quiles should skip Moto2 and head to MotoGP in 2027
Quiles is having a brilliant time in Moto3, finishing third in his debut season in 2025. This year, he has only finished outside the top two once and currently leads the championship by 59 points.
There is a lot of hype around the 18-year-old, who has the backing of Marc and Alex Marquez. Many are tipping him to be a huge success in MotoGP in the future, and Hodgson reckons he could be ready by next year.
Speaking on the Gas It Out podcast, he says that the 2027 regulation changes give Quiles a ‘level playing field’, making it the perfect time to join the championship.
Which current Moto2/Moto3 rider will have the best career?
He said: “I’d say if he got the chance, yes. I think it’s a really good question. And if ever you were going to skip Moto2, it would be this time, next year, essentially.
“With all the changes in MotoGP, it’s going to really create a level playing field. So, he’s a bigger rider is Max Quiles. He’s clearly super talented, wins in all conditions.
“He’s another very special talent, isn’t he? I know it’s hard at this point. We can’t say he’s going to be as good as Acosta or Marc Marquez, but he’s on his way, isn’t he?
“So, I’d say yes, I think it’d be good for him to skip Moto2 and get straight on to what he’s going to spend the rest of his career on.”
READ MORE: Maximo Quiles says Marc Marquez ‘knows’ he cost himself more titles by rushing back from injury
What do you think Maximo Quiles will achieve if he reaches MotoGP?
Does Maximo Quiles have a chance of joining MotoGP in 2027?
Reports did suggest that Quiles could join Gresini in 2027 and jump straight to MotoGP. However, those rumours have calmed down, with Daniel Holgado and Joan Mir set to race for the team next year.
The Spaniard is not currently linked with any MotoGP team, making a move to Moto2 far more likely in 2027. Quiles will need to continue his development, and he has a lot of time on his side.
Marc Marquez told Quiles he would wait for him to reach MotoGP and race alongside him. It is believed that the Ducati rider will stay with the team until 2028, giving his young protege enough time to move up the ranks.
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