Jerez, Spain, October 18, 2026: Xavi Artigas of MTM Kawasaki has made history by winning the inaugural FIM World Sportbike Championship (WorldSPB) title, securing the crown at the season finale in Jerez, Spain. The Spaniard overturned a 35-point deficit during the second half of the season to become the first-ever WorldSPB champion.

Artigas faced an early championship challenge from fellow Spaniard David Salvador but produced a strong comeback as the season progressed. His first WorldSPB victory came at his home round at MotorLand Aragon, providing momentum for a title challenge that ultimately went down to the final round.

Arriving in Jerez just 12 points behind Salvador, Artigas moved into the championship lead after Race 1 before sealing the historic title in Race 2. He finished his maiden WorldSPB campaign with four victories and seven podium finishes.

The achievement also delivered the first WorldSPB Riders’ Championship to MTM Kawasaki, a team with an established record in the previous lightweight racing category.

Artigas: World Championship Title Is a Special Achievement

Artigas described the championship as the primary objective for the season, expressing his gratitude to the MTM Kawasaki team for supporting him throughout his title-winning campaign.

“The Championship was the main goal of the year. I always believed in my team and in myself. I come from a very difficult year, so this is super special. I’m a World Champion. Not everyone can say that,” Artigas said.

The Spaniard added that winning the title in his home country made the achievement even more meaningful, with family members, friends and supporters present to celebrate his success.

“The team gave me the strength I needed, and I’m super happy for the team because they deserve it. It’s also special to do it here in Spain with my family, my friends, the fan group and everyone who supports me. It’s amazing,” he added.

From European Talent Cup Winner to World Champion

Artigas’ journey to his first world championship title began in 2018, when he won the European Talent Cup and finished third in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. These early achievements helped establish him as a promising young talent in international motorcycle racing.

He subsequently progressed to the Moto3 Junior World Championship before stepping up to the Moto3 World Championship, gaining valuable experience against some of the world’s best young riders.

In 2024, Artigas moved to the Moto2 World Championship with Forward Racing. He also made several wildcard appearances in the FIM Supersport World Championship (WorldSSP) during 2025.

The Spaniard joined the inaugural WorldSPB grid in 2026 and capitalised on the opportunity to establish his name in the category’s history. His late-season surge, consistency and race-winning performances proved decisive in overcoming Salvador’s early advantage.

Artigas’ championship victory marks a significant milestone for both the rider and MTM Kawasaki, as the new World Sportbike category crowns its first champion and begins building its place in international production-based motorcycle racing.