The 2026 FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship is heating up as the series arrives at Donington Park for its penultimate round. With only two rounds remaining, the title race is anyone's game, and the tension is palpable among the riders and teams. The championship is down to the wire, with just 24 points separating leader Maria Herrera from her closest rival, Beatriz Neila.
Herrera, riding for the Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR team, has been on a roll this season, consistently landing on the podium and finishing second in every race. Her consistency has put her in a strong position to become a two-time WorldWCR Champion. However, Neila, riding for Ampito Crescent Yamaha, is not giving up without a fight. She has only managed to beat Herrera once this season, in Race 2 at Assen, and will need to dig deep to close the gap.
The battle for the title is intense, but it's not the only one that's heating up. The race for third place is also fierce, with Paola Ramos, Roberta Ponziani, and Muklada Sarapuech all within reach of each other. Ramos, riding for Klint Racing Team, is 84 points behind Herrera, but with a slim chance of winning the rookie championship. Ponziani and Sarapuech, both riding for Yamaha AD78 FIMLA by EEST NJT Racing, are also in the mix, with Ponziani having an advantage due to her experience at the British track.
Among the riders, Chloe Jones has been on a roll, taking five podiums from the final six races in 2025. She's hoping to top the thrills brought with her maiden podium earned at Donington Park back in 2025. Natalia Rivera, riding for Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team, has also been performing well, with a tidy 2026 season and a second-best result of P9 at the UK round. Pakita Ruiz, riding for PR46+1 Racing Team, has been right with Rivera all season, but a crash at Assen has set her back six points.
Yvonne Cerpa, riding for MotosCerpa-Gradara Corse, is also a name to keep an eye on. She completed the best round of her 2026 rookie season at Misano, taking P6 and P4 in Italy. With P10 rider Lucie Boudesseul remaining out with an injury, Astrid Madrigal, currently in P11, has a shot at an improved result at the British venue.
The championship is also seeing some changes in the paddock, with replacements and wildcards. Justine Pedemonte is riding as a replacement for Lucie Boudesseul, who remains injured after suffering two fractured vertebrae and two fractures on her left foot. Ornella Ongaro is also returning to the paddock for her first time in 2026, riding as a replacement for Martina Guarino. Lastly, Patrycja Sowa will be replaced by French rider Julie Ritaine.
The championship is shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable race, with the title still very much in the air. The final two rounds will be crucial, and the riders and teams will need to dig deep to secure their positions and fight for the championship.
