The 2026 FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship is heating up, with the title race down to the wire. Maria Herrera, the current leader, is just 24 points ahead of her closest rival, Beatriz Neila, as the series heads to Donington Park for the penultimate round. With only two races remaining, Herrera has a slim shot at clinching her second championship title, but Neila is determined to make a comeback.
Herrera's consistent podium finishes this season have put her in a strong position. She needs to outscore Neila by 26 points over the next two races to secure the title. This means Herrera must win both races, while Neila finishes no higher than fifth. Neila, however, is not giving up easily. She knows that beating Herrera head-to-head in each remaining race is her best chance to reclaim the title, and she has the skills to do it, having won one race this season and split the spoils with Herrera at Donington Park last year.
The battle for third place is also intense. Paola Ramos, Roberta Ponziani, and Muklada Sarapuech are all within striking distance of each other, with Ramos leading Ponziani by eight points and Sarapuech by six. However, their lack of experience at Donington Park could be a factor, giving Ponziani an edge in this round.
Among the younger riders, Chloe Jones and Natalia Rivera are making their mark. Jones has been on a roll lately, taking five podiums in the last six races, and she hopes to build on her maiden podium at Donington Park in 2025. Rivera, just 19, has also been impressive, consistently finishing inside the top ten. She aims to improve on her P9 result from 2025.
The season has also seen the rise of Yvonne Cerpa, who took P6 and P4 at Misano, and Pakita Ruiz, who is just one point behind Cerpa. Both riders are in contention for a podium finish in the final two rounds, adding further excitement to the championship.
The wildcard replacements include Justine Pedemonte, Ornella Ongaro, and Julie Ritaine, who will be making their debut in the series. The championship is accessible to fans through various social media platforms and the WorldWCR YouTube channel, offering free access to Superpole sessions and races.
As the championship nears its climax, the tension is palpable. With so many riders in contention, the final two races promise to be thrilling. The title race is far from over, and the outcome will be decided by the riders' skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. The 2026 FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship is a testament to the talent and determination of these women, and the final rounds at Donington Park will be a spectacle not to be missed.
