REPORT: Herrea sets the pace ahead of Ramos at Portimao as WorldWCR testing concludes
If testing is anything to go by, WorldWCR in 2026 is going to be better than ever as the season-opener looms at Portimao
The first official day of the 2026 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship concluded with Maria Herrera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) topping the times ahead of rookie Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team). Split over six sessions across the day, the entire WorldWCR field for this season gathered at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve with a chance to see where they stack up against their rivals for the Pirelli Portuguese Round, which takes place this weekend.
Donning her new colours following her winter switch, Herrera set the fastest time of the day in the final session with a 1’52.728s. The Spaniard, who has opted to retain her #6 plate as defending Champion, was the only rider in the 1’52s as she finished almost seven tenths clear of Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team). The #58 set a 1’53.398s to finish in P2 as she prepares for her first full-time campaign in WorldWCR. 2025 runner-up Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) completed the top three as she set a 1’54.452s, although she was the second-busiest rider on track as she racked up 77 laps; Herrera completed 66 and Ramos 74.
Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team) finished in P4 despite a crash in the morning sessions at Turn 3. The Italian posted a 1’54.660s to lap just two tenths away from Neila directly ahead. Pakita Ruiz (PR46+1 Racing Team) has often found herself around P5-P6 in WorldWCR and the Official Test was no different, with the #46 claiming fifth place. She finished ahead of Lucie Boudesseul (GMT94 Yamaha) who completed the top six.
Sara Sanchez (Hadden Racing Team) was seventh with a 1’55.512s, just 0.007s slower than the French rider ahead. Muklada Sarapuech (EEST NJT Racing Team), who is wildcarding at the Portuguese round, showed impressive pace as she claimed P8 after posting a 1’55.594s. Polish rider Karolina Danak (Yamaha AD78 FIMLA) was ninth with Natalia Rivera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) rounding out the top ten.
The top six from the Official Test, full results here:
1. Maria Herrera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) 1’52.728s, 66 laps
2. Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) +0.670s, 74 laps
3. Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) +1.724s, 77 laps
4. Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team) +1.932s, 42 laps
5. Pakita Ruiz (PR46+1 Racing Team) +2.203s, 73 laps
6. Lucie Boudesseul (GMT94 Yamaha) +2.777s, 48 laps
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