The stage is set for an electrifying start to the 2026 Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR) season! At the stunning Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, Portugal, a field of 25 determined female riders battled it out in the crucial opening Superpole session, with reigning champion Maria Herrera once again demonstrating her class to claim the first pole position of the year.
Superpole Showdown: Herrera Leads, Ramos Impresses
Maria Herrera, piloting the Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR machine, wasted no time in stamping her authority on the season. She delivered a blistering lap time of 1’52.572, a clear statement of intent for the season ahead. Her performance in qualifying was precise, as she mentioned, “I had a clear plan; I knew I could do a 1’52 immediately and that’s exactly what I did.”
However, the reigning champion faces a formidable challenger right from the start. Rookie sensation Paola Ramos, riding for Klint Racing Team, put in a stellar performance to snatch second place on the grid with a time of 1’52.988. Ramos, who only had a brief test at the circuit a few days prior, showed remarkable adaptability and pace. “I felt so good today, both in myself and on the bike,” she shared. “I don’t know this circuit well… but I like it and it’s a lot of fun to ride.” Her strong showing, just four tenths shy of Herrera, sets the stage for an exciting duel between the two Spaniards.
Rounding out the front row is Ramos’s teammate, Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team), who secured third place with a time of 1’53.710. Despite a slightly challenging lead-up due to a compromised test session, Ponziani expressed optimism about her grid position. “We’ve improved today but there’s still a decent gap between me and the leaders. We’re on the front row anyway, which is an important result.” She aims to stay with the leaders early on, acknowledging the potential for a “chasing group” forming behind them.
The Chase Pack: Close Competition for Row Two and Beyond
The competition behind the front row was fierce, with the gap between riders incredibly tight. 2025 championship runner-up Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) and fellow rookie Yvonne Cerpa (MotosCerpa) were separated by mere hundredths of a second, qualifying in fourth and fifth respectively. Their near-identical lap times highlight the intense battle brewing just behind the leaders.
Making an impressive debut on the world stage, Australian Tayla Relph (Full Throttle Racing) proved she can mix it with the best, securing a strong sixth-place finish. She was the only non-European rider to break into the top ten, showcasing her talent and adaptability.
The third row will feature French rider Lucie Boudesseul (GMT94-YAMAHA), alongside Spanish duo Sara Sanchez (Hadden Racing Team) and Pakita Ruiz (PR46+1 Racing Team). Rounding out the top ten is Natalia Rivera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR), underscoring the depth and competitiveness of this year’s 25-rider field.
Setting the Scene for Race Day
With rookie Ramos topping the morning practice session ahead of Herrera, the Superpole results confirm that a thrilling head-to-head contest between these two Spanish talents is highly anticipated for the weekend’s races. Herrera, confident in her pace and consistency, believes she and Ramos could potentially break away from the field if they don’t impede each other. However, she acknowledges the challenge of building a gap on a track with a long straight. Ramos, while still learning the circuit, is optimistic about her race pace and the potential for a strong performance. The battle for the lead promises to be captivating, with a tightly packed field eager to capitalize on any opportunity.
Superpole Results:
- Maria Herrera (Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) – 1’52.572s
- Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) – +0.416s
- Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team) – +1.138s
- Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) – +1.569s
- Yvonne Cerpa (MotosCerpa) – +1.577s
- Tayla Relph (Full Throttle Racing) – +1.681s
