Race 1 Overview
Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing Team) once again proved why she is the rider to beat in the 2024 WorldWCR season. On Saturday afternoon at [track name if known], the Spanish star delivered a textbook performance, leading every lap of Race 1 to secure her fifth victory of the campaign. With only three races left on the calendar, Herrera’s triumph allows her to stretch her advantage in the standings and strengthen her bid for the title.
Her closest challenger on the day was polesitter Chloe Jones (GR Motorsport). The British rider showed fierce determination, setting the outright fastest lap of the contest in her pursuit of Herrera. Despite throwing everything at the leader in the closing laps, Jones fell just short — a mere tenth of a second shy at the flag. Even so, the 18 points gained tighten her grip on the championship fight and keep her in touch with the leading group.
Meanwhile, Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) understood the stakes perfectly. Starting fifth, she knew that nothing less than a podium would suffice to keep her championship dream alive. The Spaniard executed a clever opening lap to move forward and latched onto the leading pair, ultimately finishing third. Those 16 points are crucial, cutting Herrera’s potential margin while keeping Neila very much in the title conversation.
Front-Row Set for Sunday
Jones’ 1’51.622 — the fastest lap of Race 1 — ensures she starts on pole again for Sunday’s Race 2. She will be joined on the front row by Herrera and Neila, setting the stage for another showdown between the three most consistent riders in the championship.
Roberta Ponziani (Klint Forward Racing Team) impressed with a late charge to fourth, further consolidating her third place in the overall standings. Behind her, French home favourite Lucie Boudesseul (GMT94-Yamaha) made the most of her first front-row start. Although she slipped off the launch, she quickly recovered and ran strongly in the top four before crossing the line in fifth, earning valuable points on home soil.
Natalia Rivera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team) also maximised her best grid slot of the season, converting it into a solid sixth place finish and adding important points to her championship tally.
Wildcards and Breakthrough Rides
French wildcard Justine Pedemonte (MDS) made a big impression in her debut, climbing back from 11th on lap one to eventually claim seventh — only 20 seconds off the lead pace. It was a composed ride that showed maturity well beyond her WorldWCR experience.
Behind her, Tayla Relph (Full Throttle Racing) delivered another dependable performance, crossing the line in eighth after shadowing Pedemonte for much of the race.
The battle for ninth was one of the highlights of the midfield scrap. Line Vieillard (FT Racing Academy) and Mallory Dobbs (Diva Racing) swapped positions repeatedly before the French rider finally edged ahead of the American in the dying moments.
Further back, Avalon Lewis (Carl Cox Motorsports) deserves recognition for her spirited recovery. Starting 15th after a crash ruined her Superpole session, the New Zealander carved her way through the pack to secure 11th.
Jessica Howden (Team Trasimeno) also produced a gritty ride. Sent to the back of the grid due to an infringement, she charged forward by 12 places to take 14th and valuable championship points.
Hard Luck Stories
Not everyone enjoyed smooth sailing. Sara Sanchez (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha), Emily Bondi (ZELOS Trasimeno), and Sonya Lloyd (Team Trasimeno) were all eliminated in early incidents. Sanchez and Bondi required medical checks, and both were later ruled unfit for Sunday. Sanchez sustained fractures to her left hand, while Bondi broke a finger on her left hand. Their absence will reshape the battle for top-five championship positions.
Championship Picture
- Maria Herrera: 197 points – clear leader with five wins this year
- Beatriz Neila: 179 points – still within reach, 18 points adrift
- Roberta Ponziani: 125 points – holding steady in third
- Chloe Jones: 113 points – climbs to fourth after Saturday’s podium
- Sara Sanchez: 111 points – slips to fifth after her crash
Importantly, the title cannot yet be sealed this weekend. With the gap still manageable, the showdown is set to go all the way to Jerez.
Rider Reactions
P1 – Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing Team)
“I’m delighted with this victory. I knew it would be risky to fight in a group here, especially with the tight final corners, so my goal was to control the pace from the front. Chloe kept me honest, especially in the final laps, but I managed to defend when it mattered. The wind made it tricky and she closed the gap on the straights, but overall I’m happy with how I rode. Tomorrow will be important — I want another strong result before we head to Jerez.”
P2 – Chloe Jones (GR Motorsport)
“It was a good race and a valuable learning experience. Starting from pole gave me a strong chance, and I’m pleased with how we fought. Maria was tough to beat, but I feel like I’m getting closer with every outing. We’ll tweak the bike overnight and try again for the win on Sunday. I think it’s only a matter of time before we get there. Hopefully it will be the same three of us fighting at the front again.”
P3 – Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha)
“The race wasn’t easy because I had a few issues with the gearing, but to still take third is important for the championship. These points keep me close to Maria, and I believe tomorrow we can be stronger. If we solve the small technical problems, I’ll push to be fighting for the win.”
Race 1 Results
1. Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing Team)
2. Chloe Jones (GR Motosport) +0.130s
3. Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) +2.868s
4. Roberta Ponziani (Klint Forward Racing Team) +6.937s
5. Lucie Boudesseul (GMT94-YAMAHA) +7.265s
6. Natalia Rivera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team) +14.251s
Fastest lap: Chloe Jones – 1’51.622s
Images WorldWCR
