History was written at the Circuito de Jerez‑Ángel Nieto on Sunday as Xavi Artigas (MTM Kawasaki) officially became the first ever FIM World Sportbike World Champion. In a debut season for the category that saw the lead change hands multiple times, the Spaniard timed his run to perfection — overturning a mid‑season deficit to claim the crown in front of his home crowd.
From Behind to the Top — Artigas’ Comeback Campaign
The championship story was one of remarkable resilience. Early in the year, David Salvador (Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI) built an advantage that peaked at 35 points following the Emilia‑Romagna round. Artigas, however, refused to be shaken. He steadily chipped away at the gap, claiming his first victory of the season at his home circuit of MotorLand Aragón — a result that ignited his campaign. By the time the paddock arrived at Jerez for the final round, Salvador’s lead had shrunk to just 12 points.
The decisive moment came in Race 1 on Saturday. Salvador was caught up in a Turn 13 incident and crashed out of the points, allowing Artigas to move into the championship lead for the first time all season. He then secured the title with a composed performance in Race 2, finishing with a final advantage of 8 points over Salvador. Across the 11‑race campaign, Artigas recorded:
- 4 victories
- 7 podium finishes
- 245 points
His success also delivered the first ever WorldSPB Riders’ Championship to MTM Kawasaki — a team with a proven track record in the lightweight classes, now celebrating a major milestone at world level.
“I’m a World Champion” — Artigas Reacts to History
Speaking moments after sealing the title, Artigas was visibly emotional:
“This was the goal from day one. I always believed in myself and in this team, even when things were difficult. I’ve come through a really tough year, so to stand here now as a World Champion? It’s something not everyone gets to say — and it feels amazing. The team gave me everything I needed, and they deserve this as much as I do. To do it here in Spain, with my family, my friends, my supporters all around me… it’s simply unforgettable.”
The Long Road to the Top — Artigas’ Racing Journey
Artigas’ path to the inaugural WorldSPB crown has been years in the making. His competitive career began in earnest back in 2018, when he claimed the European Talent Cup title and finished third in the highly competitive Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup — results that marked him out as a future star.
He progressed through the Moto3 Junior World Championship before stepping up to the Moto3 World Championship, gaining vital experience on the international stage. In 2024, he moved to Moto2 with Forward Racing, and the following year made several wildcard appearances in WorldSSP as he broadened his skillset on bigger machinery.
For 2026, Artigas made the switch to the brand‑new WorldSPB class — and the rest is already history.
| European Talent Cup Champion | 2018 |
| 3rd, Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup | 2018 |
| Moto3 World Championship | 2021–2023 |
| Moto2 World Championship (Forward Racing) | 2024 |
| WorldSSP Wildcard Appearances | 2025 |
| Inaugural WorldSPB Champion (MTM Kawasaki) | 2026 |
What’s Next — A New Chapter Begins
With the first WorldSPB title secured, Artigas has cemented his place as the benchmark for the series. The question now turns to what comes next — whether he will defend his crown or seek opportunities further up the road racing ladder. For now, though, the celebrations can begin: Xavi Artigas is a World Champion.
