The Spanish star was trailing by 37 points after three rounds but turned his campaign around to claim the world titleXavi Artigas (MTM Kawasaki) has pulled off an epic comeback in the FIM Sportbike World Championship to claim the world title in the final race of the season. Almost 40 points back after Most and trailing by 12 points heading into the season finale at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, Andalusia, the #34 took advantage of misfortune for title rival David Salvador (Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI) to claim the Championship at the Pirelli Spanish Round.

A SLOW START

Artigas joined the WorldSPB grid to much fanfare, with the Moto3 race winner looking to make a name for himself inside the WorldSBK paddock. He made his World Supersport debut as a wildcard in 2025, but it was World Sportbike where he made his full-time debut. Although he was often in the top six and took a maiden podium in Race 1 at Assen, it looked like the #34’s title charge against Salvador was faltering – particularly when he retired from Race 2 at Most after a crash with Kas Beekmans.

ARAGON TURNING POINT?

The Most non-score left Artigas sixth in the Championship standings, 37 points behind Salvador, whose podium consistency (one non-rostrum finish in the first six races) was paying dividends even without winning a race. Both would achieve their first win of the season at Aragon – Salvador in Race 1 by 0.046s ahead of Artigas, and Artigas in Race 2 by 0.038s. Crucially for Artigas’ title challenge, Salvador was taken out and retired from the race. Suddenly, Artigas was only 17 points behind after climbing to third.

FIGHTING BACK

While still trailing by 17 points, Misano was difficult for Artigas as he finished P7 and P5, while Salvador claimed fourth and a victory. Suddenly, the gap was back out to 35 points with Antonio Torres (Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI) sandwiched between them. It was after Misano where Artigas really started his comeback towards his compatriot. He finished fourth in Race 1 at Magny-Cours, behind Salvador, but victories in Race 2 at the French venue and in Race 1 at Cremona meant the gap came down to 21 points. In the final race at the Italian venue, Salvador finished fifth while Artigas was second, meaning the two Spaniards were separated by just 12 points heading into a Jerez showdown. Race 1 at Jerez featured a huge twist when Salvador was taken out at Turn 13 by Carter Thompson (Team BrCorse) and, with Artigas winning, the #34 took a 13-point lead into Race 2.

ARTIGAS BACK ON TOP

23-year-old Artigas still had a lot of work to do at the season finale, but he was able to secure his maiden World Championship by overcoming his 12-point deficit to Salvador across the Pirelli Spanish Round. It gave him his first title since he won what was then the European Talent Cup in 2018 – a title he won without winning a race. His wins this season gave him his first World Championship victories since his 2021 Moto3 campaign, when he won the Valencian Grand Prix. It’s been a sensational season for Artigas, capped off with an unlikely comeback and a World Championship to go with it.

Congratulate Artigas on his success using the hashtag #Art1GAS on social media and watch the best bits of an epic title fight using the WorldSBK VideoPass!