Looking to defend her FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship title next season, Maria Herrera will set off from a different garage than the Klint Forward Racing Team that she lifted the title with in dramatic, final-race fashion to close this campaign. Shedding the baby blue leathers of her 2025 team, Maria Herrera will compete in 2026 with the Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team.

Herrera is easily one of the most experienced riders in the WorldWCR field, having competed in Moto3, WorldSSP300, WorldSSP, and, most recently, MotoE, riding as the only female rider in the class from 2019 to 2025. Competing in MotoE and WorldWCR simultaneously, the 29-year-old rider made her presence felt in 2024’s inaugural WorldWCR season. Her 2024 quest for the title saw her win six races and take another four additional podium finishes, pushing the title battle to the final race of the season, where a very unfortunate crash saw her title hopes laid low. In a testament to her drive, Herrera was back in 2025 with one goal in mind: to lift the title. Thanks to her six race wins and 10 total podiums, the #6 saw her dream become a reality and was crowned the 2025 World Champion at Jerez.

On her new 2026 surroundings, Herrera said: “I’m very excited to join the Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team for this new season. It will be my third year in the championship, and I believe that both the team and I bring a level of experience that will allow us to form a very strong pairing. I’m also particularly motivated because I’ve previously worked and raced with my crew chief; he knows my riding style very well and knows how to bring out the best in me. I’m convinced that together we can take a step forward and fight for great results.”

Her new Team Principal, Simone Bustreo added: “We are extremely proud to announce that Maria will race with us next year. She needs no introduction: she is the most successful rider in the category so far and the reigning FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Champion after an extraordinary season. This signing confirms the effort we’re investing in this Championship and highlights our ambitions. We’re truly excited for the season ahead and can’t wait to get on track. I would like to thank all our partners for their trust, as well as all our supporters. A big season awaits us!”

Look back through Herrera’s two seasons of WorldWCR greatness with the WorldSBK VideoPass!