Race 2 Summary:
Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) reignited the WorldWCR title fight on Sunday by taking a dominant third victory of the season at the Balaton Park circuit. With just two rounds remaining in the championship, Neila’s win ensures that the pressure remains firmly on title leader Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing Team), with the pair now still just nine points apart in the standings.
After finishing runner-up in Race 1 on Saturday, rising British star Chloe Jones (GR Motosport) showed no signs of slowing down. Starting from fifth on the grid, Jones launched into the lead group immediately, positioning herself comfortably among the top three. Once she overtook Herrera midway through the race, Jones defended brilliantly to secure second place—her best finish of the season to date.
Herrera, who had led the way in the early laps, couldn’t maintain the pace once Neila and Jones found their rhythm. She was overtaken around the halfway point of the race and, although clearly struggling with grip and straight-line speed, she dug deep to ensure she claimed third—salvaging a valuable 16 points to maintain her lead in the standings.
The leading trio were in a class of their own on the day, crossing the finish line more than three seconds ahead of the chasing pack and putting on a masterclass in pace, consistency, and racecraft.
Further back, Race 2 polesitter Roberta Ponziani (Klint Forward Racing Team) endured a frustrating start after getting caught up in traffic off the line. The Italian, however, didn’t let the early setback derail her race. With calm determination, she set about regaining lost ground and pulled off several decisive overtakes to finish in fourth—matching her result from Race 1 and collecting more crucial championship points.
Sara Sanchez (Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha) ran strongly in fourth for most of the race but was eventually forced to settle for fifth after being passed by the charging Ponziani in the closing stages. Still, Sanchez continues to show consistent form and remains within striking distance in the overall standings.
Meanwhile, Spain’s Pakita Ruiz (PR46+1 Racing Team) impressed in the early phase of the race, staying with the front runners through the opening few laps. Although she couldn’t sustain the pace required to fight for the podium, her determination earned her a hard-fought sixth-place finish and a solid haul of points.
Further down the field, New Zealand’s Avalon Lewis (Carl Cox Motorsports), South Africa’s Jessica Howden (Team Trasimeno), and France’s Lucie Boudesseul (GMT94-Yamaha) each rode clean, clever races to finish seventh, eighth, and ninth respectively—showing growing confidence as the championship continues to unfold.
Both Chloe Jones and Jessica Howden marked this round at Balaton as their most successful outings to date. Jones added an impressive 40 points to her tally over the weekend, while Howden brought home 17—clear signs of their rising form as the series progresses.
Rounding out the top ten was Mexico’s Astrid Madrigal (Pons Italika Racing FIMLA), who once again put in a steady and reliable ride to replicate her Race 1 performance.
Championship Picture After Round 4 – Title Race Tightens
- Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing Team) maintains her place at the top of the leaderboard with 172 points.
- Beatriz Neila’s victory keeps her just nine points adrift, now sitting on 163.
- Roberta Ponziani edges into third overall with 112 points, narrowly ahead of Sara Sanchez, who is now on 111.
- A breakout weekend for Chloe Jones sees her leap to fifth in the standings, now with 93 points following back-to-back podiums.
Race 2 Key Facts:
- Race 1 winner: Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing Team)
- Race 2 winner: Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha)
- Fastest Lap: Chloe Jones (GR Motosport) – 1’53.089 (Race 2)
Top 6 Race 2 Results at Balaton Park:
- Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha)
- Chloe Jones (GR Motosport) +0.220s
- Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing Team) +0.862s
- Roberta Ponziani (Klint Forward Racing Team) +4.615s
- Sara Sanchez (Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha) +4.997s
- Pakita Ruiz (PR46+1 Racing Team) +10.967s
What the Riders Said:
P1 – Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha)
“That was such an enjoyable race! My start wasn’t perfect, but once I settled in, I found a good rhythm and was able to gap the riders behind. The team worked hard to give me a great bike today, and I felt strong from the middle of the race onward. The title race is close, and I’m already looking forward to Magny-Cours. It’s a circuit I enjoy and reminds me a little of Donington. I’ll try to keep this momentum going and hopefully be back on the podium again in France.”
P2 – Chloe Jones (GR Motosport)
“This weekend has been fantastic. Racing at the front with Maria and Beatriz gave me more experience, and I was able to learn a lot about how they ride. I made one mistake into the chicane that probably cost me a shot at the win, but I’m still thrilled with second place. I even clocked the fastest lap of the race! That’s a huge confidence boost heading into the summer break. I’ll be all-in for the win at Magny-Cours.”
P3 – Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing Team)
“I had a tough start and didn’t feel comfortable with rear grip. Despite that, I stayed focused and got everything I could out of the bike. Beatriz and Chloe were pushing hard, and I couldn’t match their speed down the straights today. But I’m satisfied with third—it keeps me in front in the standings. Now, we’ve got time to reset before the final two rounds. I like Magny-Cours and think it can suit us well.”
