The 2026 WorldWCR field officially got back on track at Portimao for pre-season testing, marking the first time this year’s riders were able to push their race bikes in a full grid environment. With the opening round just days away (27–29 March), the test provided a valuable opportunity for teams to dial in their setups and for riders to get comfortable ahead of a crucial weekend.
Beyond just lap times, the session was about understanding machinery, refining race pace, and measuring up against direct competition—something that hadn’t yet been possible with the entire grid on track together.
Strong showing from Herrera in Official Test
At the end of the test, it was defending champion Maria Herrera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) who led the way. The Spaniard posted a best lap of 1:52.728 and completed 66 laps over the course of the day, showing both speed and consistency.
Close behind was Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team), who finished second, 0.670 seconds off the top time. The Portuguese rider also stood out as the fastest rookie, completing an impressive 74 laps and immediately confirming herself as a serious contender heading into the season.
Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) completed the top three with a best time of 1:54.398, continuing her steady form from previous seasons and putting herself firmly in the mix for the opening races.
Notable performances across the grid
There were several other riders worth highlighting from the test.
Thai rider Muklada Sarapuech (EEST NJT Racing Team), competing as a wildcard for the Portuguese round, made a solid first impression in WorldWCR by finishing eighth overall—an encouraging result considering her limited track time in the series.
Meanwhile, rookie Karolina Danek (Yamaha AD78 FIMLA) recorded the highest number of laps across the test with 79, signalling a strong work ethic and focus on building experience ahead of her debut season.
Chloe Jones (Monster Energy Crescent Yamaha), who finished third in last year’s championship, had a relatively low-key start to 2026. She ended the test inside the top 15, opting to focus more on setup work and long-run consistency rather than outright lap times.
Rider reactions: confidence building ahead of race weekend
Maria Herrera expressed satisfaction with how the test unfolded, particularly given the level of competition expected this season. She noted that the team made steady progress throughout the day, improving step by step until she was able to set the fastest lap.
Herrera also pointed out that while the bike remains largely unchanged from last year, her move to a new team has made a noticeable difference. The added support and environment have helped her feel more relaxed and confident, which could prove crucial in her title defence. She also identified Ramos as an immediate rival based on the test performance.
Paola Ramos was equally positive, highlighting the amount of work completed on the bike setup, including suspension adjustments and overall balance. She believes she can remain competitive at the front during race weekends and set clear goals for the season: consistent points finishes and potentially challenging for the championship.
Beatriz Neila focused on the progress made during the sessions, particularly as she had not previously tested at Portimao. She explained that she worked through various setup options on both new and used tyres, gradually improving her performance throughout the day. Her aim for 2026 remains simple—enjoy the racing while continuing to fight for wins, just as she did last season.
A strong and competitive 2026 grid
The 2026 WorldWCR grid combines experience and fresh talent, creating what looks to be one of the most competitive line-ups yet.
Fifteen returning riders are back this season, reinforcing the growing strength and stability of the championship. At the centre of it all is Maria Herrera, who returns as defending champion and begins a new chapter with Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha as she looks to retain her title.
Beatriz Neila and Chloe Jones, who finished second and third in 2025, also return and now join forces under the Crescent Yamaha structure—forming a particularly strong team pairing that could challenge consistently at the front.
Other familiar names include Sara Sanchez (Hadden Racing Team), Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team), Lucie Boudesseul (GMT94 Yamaha), and Tayla Relph (Full Throttle Racing), all of whom have previously stood on the podium and bring valuable experience into the new season. Sanchez is the only one among them to switch teams for 2026, adding another layer of intrigue.
Alongside this experienced group are nine rookies, giving the grid a fresh dynamic. Among them, Paola Ramos stands out after her eye-catching wildcard victory in the final race of 2025. Now stepping up full-time with Klint Racing Team—the same squad that supported Herrera to last year’s title—she could quickly become a major player.
Looking back and ahead
While WorldWCR did not race at Portimao in 2025, the circuit was part of the championship’s debut season in 2024. On that occasion, Herrera claimed victory in the opening race and followed it up with another podium in Race 2, confirming her strong affinity with the Portuguese track.
Sara Sanchez also impressed that weekend, taking two second-place finishes and establishing herself as a consistent front-runner.
With that history in mind, and with testing now complete, the focus shifts firmly to the season opener. The early signs suggest a closely contested championship, with multiple riders capable of fighting at the front.
As the lights prepare to go out in Portimao, the 2026 WorldWCR season promises tight racing, emerging rivalries, and another important step forward for women’s motorcycle racing on the world stage.
