Experienced rider Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team) placed fourth in the 2025 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship, only narrowly missing out on the third step of the rostrum. Her teammate, Spanish rider Paola Ramos, is a category rookie, albeit one who has already had a taste of success. A wildcard at the closing round of the 2025 championship at Jerez, Ramos surprised her rivals to storm to victory in Race 2. The two riders now join forces for the 2026 season, competing for the Klint Racing Team, winners of the 2025 WorldWCR title with Maria Herrera.
PAST EXPERIENCES
While 18-year-old Ramos takes on WorldWCR for the first time as a full-time entry, 29-year-old Ponziani is already a pro, competing in the championship for the third consecutive year.
Looking back on her time in WorldWCR, Ponziani said: “My first year here was an adventure because I had absolutely no World Championship experience. Everything was new, the tracks, the environment, so it was a challenge. There were times when I didn't really know what I was doing. But in the end, I think it went well and I was able to put in a strong performance. I was keen to demonstrate that I had the kind of pace and ability that would allow me to continue on in the Championship. That was the goal and I think I succeeded.”
Ramos added: “I've been watching the WorldWCR races for three years, because we had been planning to come here at some point, so I had an idea as to how the Championship worked. But there’s a big difference between watching it on TV and experiencing it for myself. It’s all quite different, but I’m approaching the year with a very calm and collected mentality and with no undue pressure, because in the end I am a rookie. The aim this season is to enjoy the experience, to make the most of it and, if possible, to win!”
THE LEARNING PROCESS
While age and experience may differ, the learning process remains a constant, as Ramos explains: “I’m a rookie and I have a lot to learn. Everyone else has a lot of experience in comparison. Maybe what I lack the most is experience when it comes to managing a race, particularly the final part of the race. Sometimes I get anxious, so perhaps I need to learn to manage that a little better and think more before taking action in the race. Then there is the riding itself, how to improve through certain sections of the track, for example; there’s a lot to work on.”
Ponziani added: “I’m planning to concentrate on my race management, particularly my starts and on executing passes. I’d say those are my weak points, so my focus is on those aspects. I think I've learned from the mistakes I made in the last two years; I'm trying to ride and react better.”
HANDLING PRESSURE
When it comes to handling pressure, both riders have a similar perspective. On this topic, Ramos said: “In the end, I don’t put any real pressure on myself. I know many people are watching me after I won at Jerez at the end of last season, but it's my rookie year and I don’t know many of the tracks, so I have a lot to learn. Like I said, I’ve come to have fun, and I appreciate that when you enjoy riding the bike, that’s when things start to come together. If I can keep learning learn and having fun, then the results will come.”
Ponziani stated: “I don't feel particular pressure either because this is what I like to do. If I had to compete under pressure and feel like I absolutely had to get the result at any cost, I wouldn't have fun. Of course I want to win, and demonstrate that I'm strong, but I’m not doing that with any external pressure. If things start to go wrong, a lot of other things can go wrong as a result, so I do my best to stay mentally strong and keep my spirits up, because if I feel like giving up, it would be over.”
LEARNING FROM EACH OTHER
While Ramos appreciates the support her team can provide, Ponziani is keen to learn from her younger rival, with ‘Robi’ saying: “I have more experience in this paddock, yes, but Paola’s already more than holding her own, so I don't think I need to teach her anything really! But I agree that we can always learn from those around us. Paola’s younger, she's more energetic, hungrier. That's what I'm missing perhaps, so maybe she can help me there.”
Ramos added: “I think the Klint Racing Team can help me a lot; they are the reigning World Champions after all. I have a lot to learn about how everything works, and I believe they can really help me build my performance. Robi too, of course, as she’s been competing here for three years and has a lot more experience than me. I can learn a lot from her. And hopefully she can learn something from me. I think there is always something to learn from others.”
THE APPROACH DURING A SEASON
Separated in age by a decade, Ponziani and Ramos discuss their mental approach to the season. Ramos said: “I think we need to consider both the individual races and the season as a whole, because in the end there’s no way of knowing what might happen in the second round, regardless of whether the first round went totally to plan or completely wrong. You need to take things one race weekend at a time, but with some thought to the Championship.”
Ponziani added: “I always try to take a race-by-race approach, but it's normal that now, at 29, I must also think about what I want to do next year. There can be pressure, because if there is no result at the end of the season, it’s difficult to find a place on a team the following year. So, I need to think about the race, but also the overall result.”
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