The biggest breakout star of the 2025 FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship season, Chloe Jones (Monster Energy Crescent Yamaha), looks to have found her footing in 2026 after a bumpy start to the campaign and is now making her final preparations for her home round. She'll hope to build on the pace she found last time out at Misano, where she claimed her first podium of the season—a testament to her resilience—which she now hopes to carry into the Prosecco DOC UK Round at Donington Park.

“IT’S DIFFICULT TO ACCEPT AFTER A VERY STRONG ROOKIE SEASON”

This offseason she made a marquee move from her GR Motorsport team to the Monster Energy Crescent Yamaha crew. It has taken her some time to adjust to her new surroundings, and with the rapid pace of improvement in WorldWCR, she struggled early on to find the speed to fight for the podium last that she showed ear. The perseverance to return to her rookie-season pace has been one of the hardest things for the Brit, but now that she has her maiden 2026 rostrum result in her back pocket, much of that pressure has been lifted.

Reflecting on the highs and lows of her 2026 campaign so far, Jones said: “This year has been a new challenge; I’m in a new team, and it hasn’t been the easiest so far, but it’s all part of the experience. I’m still only in my second year in the Championship; it’s difficult to accept after a very strong rookie season, but I still have time to come back fighting and come back strong. Last year, in my rookie season, it was my first time on a proper big team. I think this year it’s another amazing big team. I’m getting used to it, and the season from here is going to go well.”

“I KNOW I’M STRONGER THAN WHERE I AM NOW…SIXTH, SEVENTH, EIGHTH ISN’T WHERE I WANT TO BE”

In her corner, offering advice and guiding his young compatriot, 2004 and 2007 WorldSBK Champion James Toseland has taken on the role of mentor to the #15. His message has been simple: let go of the pressure to deliver results immediately and instead focus on enjoying the racing and riding her own race. That advice appeared to pay off with her Race 1 podium at Misano. While she gained the podium after penalties in front of her sent other riders back down, the #15 made her own luck by riding that far up the order. Jones also points out later on as well that while she has been disheartened with having fallen out of the podium fight for most of the season, aside from 13th and 14th-place finishes at the season opening round at Portimao, she has only missed the top eight twice.

On the help she’s received from Toseland and her view of her season so far, Jones said: “James has given me some incredible information; he’s been through it all, so it’s so cool to have him behind me. I’ve taken all the advice he’s given me on board, but I think the best thing he’s ever told me is ‘Keep calm, do what you want to do, at the end of the day, you’re here to have fun, and if you aren’t enjoying it, then why are you doing it?’ I know I’m not where I should be. When I’m on my training bike, it’s different, but I’ve got some more races to come back and change the season compared to the first half. I say that they are bad results, but people at the back of the grid are wishing they are where I am. It’s not where I want to be though, and it’s been difficult mentally and physically. I know I’m stronger than what I’m doing now, but it’s a matter of how to improve. Sometimes you feel like you aren’t making any mistakes, but like I said, sixth, seventh, eighth isn’t where I want to be, but I’m doing things that some people only ever wish that they could do. I’m going to keep riding, keep having fun, it’s just a matter of when.”

“THE ATMOSPHERE IS CRAZY, LAST YEAR IT WAS UNREAL”

Beyond being just an hour’s drive from her home in Northampton, Donington holds a special place in Jones’ heart as it was here last season where she landed her first-ever WorldWCR podium. Her P3 spelled not only her first rostrum result, but Great Britain’s first-ever WorldWCR podium. That result kicked off a sensational stretch of the season for Jones; aside from Race 2 at Donington and Race 2 at Jerez, she finished second in every remaining race. This season, only four races remain, perhaps Donington can once again spark a change in fortunes.

On her home round and the sensations of riding there last season, Jones said: “Donington is crazy! Obviously, it’s my home round, and it’s probably the track where I’ve done the most laps ever. The atmosphere is crazy; last year it was unreal. It was my first ever home round, the chanting, the cheering, the screaming my name, it was ridiculous! To get my first podium at home to top it all off, nobody will ever understand the feeling and the adrenaline that you get from racing at home. It’s incredible.”

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