Superpole Recap
The tension could be felt across the Circuito de Jerez–Ángel Nieto as the WorldWCR season finale got underway — and it was Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing Team) who delivered when it mattered most. The Spaniard stormed to a crucial pole position with a superb 1’51.572, a time that no rival could touch as the clock ticked down.
With just six points separating Herrera from fellow countrywoman Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha)heading into this decisive weekend, every lap carried championship weight. And Herrera, who leads the standings, looked calm and composed under pressure, converting that focus into the perfect lap.
Neila, aware that she needs to beat her rival to stand a chance at the crown, pushed hard throughout Superpole. Her best effort — a 1’51.880 — was quick enough for second place, securing a vital front-row start for Saturday’s Race 1, but not quite enough to unseat the relentless Herrera.
Completing an all-Spanish front row, wildcard Paola Ramos (YVS Sabadell) produced a stunning performance. The 21-year-old impressed in both morning practice and qualifying, setting a 1’51.947 to claim third in her first-ever WorldWCR weekend — a result that drew huge applause from local fans.
Italy’s Roberta Ponziani (Klint Forward Racing Team) continued her consistent form, setting her best time in the dying seconds of the session to take fourth place, keeping herself in the fight for third overall in the standings.
Australia’s Tayla Relph (Full Throttle Racing) delivered one of her strongest sessions of the season, claiming fifth, her best qualifying result of 2025. Relph’s growing confidence was clear as she improved sector by sector, finding pace in the final stages.
Fresh from a home podium in France, Lucie Boudesseul (GMT94 Yamaha) maintained her momentum to complete the second row in sixth. The French rider’s rhythm and confidence seem to have carried across continents, and she’ll be a name to watch when lights go out.
Rookie Chloe Jones (GR Motosport), currently sitting just three points behind Ponziani in the championship, will start from seventh, meaning she faces an uphill battle to close the gap in Race 1. Pakita Ruiz (PR46+1 Racing Team) lines up alongside her in eighth, while Mallory Dobbs (Diva Racing) earned her best qualifying result of the season with ninth, completing the third row.
Just behind, Natalia Rivera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha) rounded out the top ten, missing ninth by less than a tenth of a second but still posting a solid improvement over previous rounds.
Local favourite Sara Sanchez (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha) made a brave return after missing recent rounds due to injury. Fresh from surgery following her Round 5 crash, she battled through the pain barrier to qualify twelfth, earning widespread respect from the paddock.
Unfortunately, Emily Bondi (ZELOS Trasimeno) remains sidelined following the hand injury sustained during the Magny-Cours round, ruling her out of this weekend’s finale.
Rider Reactions
P1 | Maria Herrera | Klint Forward Racing Team | 1’51.572
“Today felt a little different — I was more nervous than usual,” admitted Herrera. “Even so, I really enjoyed riding and focused on refining my style. Honestly, I didn’t expect to take pole, especially knowing Paola was strong in some sectors. But I’m proud of what we achieved. The pace is there to fight, and tomorrow it’ll be about managing the race, staying focused, and finishing ahead of Beatriz. That’s the goal.”
P2 | Beatriz Neila | Ampito Crescent Yamaha | 1’51.880
“The conditions this morning were tricky, but we made good progress,” said Neila. “Qualifying went smoothly, and finishing P2 gives me confidence for Race 1. I’m trying to treat this like any other weekend — stay calm, enjoy the moment, and push hard. The target is clear: stay consistent, stay close, and, if possible, build a gap when it counts.”
P3 | Paola Ramos | YVS Sabadell | 1’51.947
“I’m thrilled — honestly, this is beyond what I imagined for my first WorldWCR weekend,” said Ramos, smiling. “Riding with such talented women is a dream come true. My aim is to enjoy Race 1, stay relaxed, and see what happens. No pressure — just gratitude for being here.”
Superpole Results
| Pos | Rider | Team | Time | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maria Herrera | Klint Forward Racing Team | 1’51.572 | — |
| 2 | Beatriz Neila | Ampito Crescent Yamaha | +0.308 | |
| 3 | Paola Ramos | YVS Sabadell | +0.375 | |
| 4 | Roberta Ponziani | Klint Forward Racing Team | +0.674 | |
| 5 | Tayla Relph | Full Throttle Racing | +0.977 | |
| 6 | Lucie Boudesseul | GMT94 Yamaha | +1.049 |
What’s Next
The stakes couldn’t be higher as the championship decider looms. With just six points separating Herrera and Neila, Saturday’s Race 1 could prove pivotal in determining who lifts the inaugural WorldWCR title.
Add in a confident wildcard on the front row and improving challengers just behind, and Jerez looks set for a thrilling showdown — Spanish passion, championship drama, and world-class racing all wrapped into one.
WorldWCR
