Maria Herrera sent an early warning to the rest of the WorldWCR field by securing a convincing pole position at Assen, continuing her strong start to the 2026 season. The reigning champion was the standout rider throughout Friday, topping practice before backing it up in Superpole with a fastest lap of 1’47.031.
On a circuit famous for rewarding precision, rhythm and confidence, Herrera looked completely at ease from the opening session. The Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha rider carried strong speed through Assen’s flowing corners and consistently found time in the faster sectors, underlining why she remains one of the favourites for both races this weekend.
It was her second consecutive pole position of the year and another reminder that the Spaniard is determined to defend the crown she won last season.
Herrera Sets the Standard
From the moment the track action began, Herrera appeared in control. She was quick on fresh tyres, strong over race distance and calm under pressure during qualifying.
Assen can be a difficult circuit to master because of its high-speed direction changes, long lap length and narrow margin for error, but Herrera handled those challenges with authority. Her benchmark lap left the rest of the grid chasing and gave her the best possible starting position for Race 1.
Although pole position is always valuable, it can be especially important at Assen, where clean air and early rhythm often make the opening laps decisive.
Neila Closest Challenger
Beatriz Neila mounted the strongest challenge to Herrera and will line up second on the grid after an impressive Superpole performance of her own.
The Ampito Crescent Yamaha rider steadily improved through the day. While the gap to Herrera was larger in practice, Neila closed it to less than three tenths by the end of qualifying, showing both speed and adaptability as conditions evolved.
Her pace over multiple laps also looked encouraging, suggesting she could be a genuine threat once the race begins. If she can stay attached to Herrera in the early stages, she may be in position to fight for victory later on.
Ramos Impresses on Assen Debut
Championship leader Paola Ramos continued her excellent rookie campaign by securing the final place on the front row despite racing at Assen for the first time.
The Klint Racing Team rider had never experienced the Dutch circuit before Friday, meaning every lap in practice was a learning exercise. Even so, she quickly adapted to the demands of the TT Circuit and delivered a strong 1’47.789 to claim third place.
That performance highlights the maturity and confidence Ramos has shown throughout the season. Even without previous knowledge of the venue, she remains firmly in the mix at the front.
Strong Second Row Forms Behind
Tayla Relph produced one of her best qualifying sessions of the season to secure fourth for Full Throttle Racing. The Australian made the most of the 25-minute session and missed a front-row place by less than a tenth of a second.
She will be joined on row two by two familiar names in Lucie Boudesseul and Sara Sanchez, both of whom have regularly featured near the sharp end of the field.
With several riders closely matched behind the front row, the battle for podium places could be one of the highlights of Race 1.
Row Three Ready to Attack
Roberta Ponziani, Pakita Ruiz and Natalia Rivera locked out the third row, while Astrid Madrigal completed the top ten.
All four riders remain close enough to capitalise if the frontrunners begin battling or if changing weather conditions come into play. Assen has often produced unpredictable racing, and grid position is only part of the story over race distance.
Rider Reactions
Maria Herrera – Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR
“The way we’ve started the weekend is incredible. I feel relaxed, I have good feeling with the bike and I’m very happy with the work we’ve done so far. We need to keep pushing because Beatriz and Paola will definitely be strong in the race. It’s a long track and with the straight it’s not easy to build a gap, so the plan is to stay strong and be ready for the final laps. I think we’re in for two exciting races. Of course I want dry weather, but I also hope to feel confident if it rains.”
Beatriz Neila – Ampito Crescent Yamaha
“I’m happy because I had a good feeling from this morning. There was a bigger gap in practice, but we managed to reduce it this afternoon. I set a strong lap time and also did some consistent laps, so that is important. I think I can run with Maria tomorrow. We’ll see if there is a group fighting together, but I’ll give everything.”
Paola Ramos – Klint Racing Team
“It’s my first time here at Assen, so practice was my first real experience of the track. Qualifying was not easy, but I’m happy because I’m not too far from Maria and Beatriz. I think we’ll have some good racing tomorrow. Maria will probably try to break away, but if we can stay with her it could be a great battle. I really like this type of circuit.”
WorldWCR Superpole Results
- Maria Herrera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) – 1’47.031
- Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) +0.281s
- Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) +0.758s
- Tayla Relph (Full Throttle Racing) +0.782s
- Lucie Boudesseul (GMT94 Yamaha) +1.127s
- Sara Sanchez (Hadden Racing Team) +1.309s
All Eyes on Race Day
Herrera may have taken pole in convincing fashion, but the margins behind suggest nothing is settled. Neila has the speed to challenge, Ramos continues to impress, and a competitive chasing pack is ready to seize any opportunity.
With Assen’s fast layout, long slipstreaming sections and passionate atmosphere, the stage is set for two more thrilling WorldWCR races in the Netherlands.
