The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship is set for a second season-finale showdown in as many seasons, with just six points separating leader Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing Team) and second-place Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha). The pair shared victories at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours as the French Round hosted Round 5 of the 2025 campaign and it set up a duel in Spain for this year’s title.

HERRERA VICTORIOUS IN RACE 1: “I focused on the pace and the line…”

Race 1 came down to a battle between Herrera and Chloe Jones (GR Motosport), who has ensured she is consistently in the lead group throughout the 2025 season. The #6 was able to come out on top despite pressure from Jones as the British rider pushed the Championship leader all the way. Neila completed the podium, meaning there was a nine-point swing in Herrera’s favour in the Championship standings.

Discussing her Race 1 victory, the #6 said: “I’m really happy to have won because I knew it would be a little bit difficult to create a gap at this track. I did it well, did my pace, pushed hard and focused on the pace and the line. Chloe was fast in the last part of the race. I couldn’t do more because of the wind and everything, she recovered a little bit more on the straight and me in the braking point. Chloe’s riding well.”

NEILA RESPONDS IN RACE 2: “The race was difficult… one mistake and they could pass me very easily”

Saturday’s Race 1 was a superb battle for the win, and Sunday’s Race 2 stepped it up a notch. Five riders – Herrera, Jones, Neila, Roberta Ponziani (Klint Forward Racing Team) and Lucie Boudesseul (GMT94-YAMAHA). On the final lap, Neila made a move at Turn 15 to claim the lead and the victory, finishing ahead of Boudesseul and Jones on the rostrum as Herrera came home in fourth; her first non-podium finish of the season. That meant Neila not only gained the points back she lost in Race 1, but closed the gap by an additional three points.

Speaking about her victory, where she came out on top in an epic five-rider scrap, Neila said: “The race was difficult. Race 1 was difficult and Race 2 as well because we had five riders in the same group, at the same level and doing the same times. One mistake and they could pass me very easily. I’m happy because I won the race. I worked hard in Race 1 and on Sunday we fixed the problem I had on Saturday. My bike was perfect.”

JEREZ TO HOST TITLE DECIDER: six points in it…

In terms of the Championship fight, it could hardly be closer heading to the season finale at Jerez. Herrera holds a six-point advantage over Neila with 50 left on the table and can claim the title in Race 1 if she outscores her compatriot by 19 points if she wins or 20 points if she finishes second. Given both riders have been incredibly consistent, don’t be surprised if this goes to a final race, Sunday showdown in Spain.

Follow WorldWCR on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook, and watch the title-deciding Spanish Round from Jerez FREE on YouTube!