A determined Maria Herrera capitalised on her front-row start to take a decisive victory in Race 2 at Cremona, solidifying her position at the top of the WorldWCR standings.
Herrera Strikes Back After Race 1 Disappointment
After narrowly missing out on the top step in Saturday’s Race 1, Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing) came back fighting on Sunday. Leading from lights to flag, the Spanish rider executed a faultless performance in Race 2, fending off relentless pressure from her closest rivals.
Despite a bold late-race challenge from Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha), Herrera held her nerve. Neila made a last-ditch attempt to pass in the final sector but ran wide in the process, leaving the door open for Saturday’s race winner Roberta Ponziani (Klint Forward Racing) to snatch second place at the line.
Ponziani and Neila Complete the Podium
It was another strong showing from Roberta Ponziani, who backed up her Race 1 win with a second-place finish in Race 2. Although she couldn’t replicate the start that had given her an early advantage on Saturday, Ponziani fought hard throughout the race. A late error from Neila allowed her to capitalise and secure a valuable podium finish, just 0.202s behind Herrera.
Beatriz Neila crossed the line in third, only 0.288s off the win. Although she missed out on second place, the Spanish Yamaha rider still walked away with a strong result and crucial championship points. “I’m happy with my performance and the improvements we’ve made,” said Neila. “I’ll keep working hard to be stronger at Donington.”
Sanchez Just Misses the Podium
Sara Sanchez (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team) showed strong mid-race pace and briefly looked capable of joining the front three. She closed the gap to within a second at one point but ultimately lacked the final few tenths to launch an attack, settling for a solid fourth-place finish.
Lewis and Madrigal Impress in the Top Six
Avalon Lewis (Carl Cox Motorsports), who finished sixth in Race 1, improved to fifth on Sunday. Sticking with Sanchez during the opening laps, she lost ground as the race progressed but managed her pace well to secure another consistent finish.
Mexican rider Astrid Madrigal (Pons Italika Racing FIMLA) rounded out the top six. Running a lonely race, Madrigal delivered another composed performance to add 10 more points to her tally, capping off a very positive weekend overall.
Midfield Battle: Ruiz, Jones and Promising Rookies
Spain’s Pakita Ruiz (PR46+1 Racing Team) came home seventh, while Chloe Jones (GR Motosport) impressed with a determined ride through the field. After starting 12th, Jones carved her way up to eighth by the flag.
Two newcomers to watch, rookie Lucie Boudesseul (GMT94-YAMAHA) and Australian Tayla Relph (Full Throttle Racing), both broke into the top ten with mature rides, finishing ninth and tenth respectively.
Penalties, Wildcards, and Crashers
Emily Bondi (ZELOS Trasimeno) managed to score points despite being handed a double long-lap penalty for irresponsible riding in Race 1. She crossed the line 13th in Race 2, salvaging valuable points.
Racing on home soil, wildcard entry Denise Dal Zotto (Affinity Sports Academy Rokit Rookies) showed improvement from Race 1 to finish 14th—her best WorldWCR result to date.
Unfortunately, both Madalena Simoes (FB Racing Team) and Isis Carreno (Pons Italika Racing FIMLA) crashed out early. Thankfully, neither rider suffered any injuries.
Klint Forward Duo Lead Points Haul at Cremona
With one win apiece and 45 points each across the Cremona weekend, Maria Herrera and Roberta Ponziani were the standout performers for Klint Forward Racing. Their consistency puts the team in a commanding position heading into Round 3.
Updated Championship Standings
Maria Herrera now extends her championship lead to 13 points, thanks to her first and third-place finishes this weekend. Beatriz Neila holds firm in second with 77 points, while Roberta Ponziani jumps into third on 69 after her excellent showing at her home round.
Sara Sanchez continues her steady run in fourth place on 56 points, and Astrid Madrigal sits fifth with 39.
Fast Facts from Cremona
- Pole Position: Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing) – 1’41.152
- Race 1 Winner: Roberta Ponziani (Klint Forward Racing)
- Race 2 Winner: Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing)
- Fastest Lap (Race 2): Roberta Ponziani – 1’40.005
Rider Reactions
Maria Herrera (1st – Klint Forward Racing)
“I adjusted my strategy today and felt much more comfortable. I tried to open a gap, but I saw we were in a group of five. I knew I had to stay calm and be smart. When Beatriz got in front, I waited for my moment—I braked later and managed to make it stick in the last corner. I feel great about where we are in the championship and I’m excited for Donington.”
Roberta Ponziani (2nd – Klint Forward Racing)
“It was nearly a perfect weekend. The pace today was higher, and Maria was very strong. I didn’t start as well and made a small error on the final lap, so I couldn’t use the slipstream. But I’m happy with the result—it’s been a fantastic round for me and for the team.”
Beatriz Neila (3rd – Ampito Crescent Yamaha)
“I ran a better race today and felt stronger on the bike. I took a chance to overtake in the final sector, but it didn’t pay off. Still, I’m really happy with our championship position—we’ve made good progress since last year. I’ll train hard ahead of Donington.”
Race 2 – Official Results
- Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing)
- Roberta Ponziani (Klint Forward Racing) +0.202s
- Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) +0.288s
- Sara Sanchez (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team) +2.445s
- Avalon Lewis (Carl Cox Motorsports) +8.557s
- Astrid Madrigal (Pons Italika Racing FIMLA) +15.232s
Looking Ahead to Donington
With Herrera in command, Neila chasing closely, and Ponziani hitting her stride, the 2025 WorldWCR championship is shaping up to be a fierce battle. Donington Park awaits next, a venue where many riders—Herrera included—have fond memories and strong pace. Expect more fireworks as the season continues.
Official WorldWCR Press Release
