Sara Sanchez, 511 Terra&Vita Racing Team
Spanish, 26
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A Long Journey to the Elite Level
Sara Sanchez, a highly talented rider, was born in Barcelona and now resides near the Pyrenees mountains, where she leads what she describes as a “pretty normal life.” However, her performances on the track are far from ordinary. For years, Sanchez has been showcasing her skills in regional and national championships across Spain and Italy, eventually earning her place on the WorldWCR grid in the inaugural season of the new series. Having started competing 17 years ago, Sanchez has worked relentlessly to reach the world stage.
A Rollercoaster for Her Father Watching From the Sidelines
Sanchez acknowledges that watching her push herself to the limits on the racetrack has not been easy for her father, especially after an injury scare that led her to pause her career during her teenage years. “It must be a really intense experience for him,” she reflects. “He’s super nervous and finds it hard to watch. When I was younger, I had an accident and stopped riding for three years, from 15 to 18. I crashed in Estoril, and although it wasn’t too bad, I hit my head, which scared my father. When I got home, he sold all my bikes and said he didn’t want anything more to do with it, so I took a break. When I turned 18, I got the opportunity to return, and although my father initially didn’t want to be involved, he eventually came back into racing with me. Now, he follows and fully supports me again.”
Going Full-Time as an Elite Rider
Sanchez describes her transition to WorldWCR and how it has impacted her daily life. “Outside of racing, I’d say I have a pretty normal life,” she says. “Things changed a bit this year when I went full-time in the World Championship, but when I’m home, it’s still fairly normal. I used to work 40 hours a week in an office, but I left to focus on WorldWCR. Before that, I juggled work and racing, thanks to the support of my company and colleagues, who were incredibly helpful when I needed to attend races. I still had to complete my work hours, and tasks would pile up in my absence, but they made a lot of sacrifices to help me. My colleagues will always feel like family to me. Now, I work fewer hours for my father’s company, which is easier to fit around racing.”
Commentating MotoGP on Catalonia Radio
In addition to her racing career and work at her father’s company, Sanchez is in her second season of commentating on MotoGP for Catalunya Radio, where she offers a technical and rider’s perspective. Initially hesitant, she has grown to embrace her role. “It’s a very enriching experience, and I enjoy it,” she shares. “I listen to the riders’ comments and interviews to understand their feelings. This helps me later on the track because I analyze circuits I’ve never even been on, like Japan this weekend. I study the layout, the curves, and the braking points. It also helps me analyze circuits I’m familiar with in a new way, which people like to hear. So, it’s something that contributes to my day-to-day life as a rider, as it forces me to do more analytical work, which benefits both me and the listeners.”
Sara clinched her maiden WorldWCR victory at Estoril, just ahead of the final round of the inaugural season.
Home in Gironella with “Gas” the Dog
Sanchez reveals more about her personal life in a small town near the mountains called Gironella. “I live alone with my kids—well, my cat and dog! My dog is named ‘Gas.’ Balancing racing with everyday life can be tough. My friends are always meeting up, but I often can’t join them because of racing or training. I always say I’ll attend birthday parties and gatherings, but I often have to cancel. That’s why I really cherish the time I do get to spend with them.”
Inspired by Marc Marquez
Like many, Sanchez draws inspiration from six-time MotoGP™ World Champion Marc Marquez. “Before his injuries, everything seemed perfect, but now, with the challenges he’s faced, you can really see what he’s made of,” she says. “At first, I admired Marc because he was winning and he’s from here, and he’s a warm person. Now, though, it’s his dedication and effort to get back on top that motivate me. When you’re going through tough times, his resilience reminds you to keep fighting.”
Support from WorldSBK and WorldWCR Fans
Having participated in four WorldSSP300 races as a wild card in 2020 and 2021, Sanchez was already familiar with the WorldSBK scene before this season. However, she’s thrilled to be part of the World Championship in WorldWCR’s inaugural year and has been impressed by the fans’ reception. “I’ve been in the paddock before, but this year it feels different because people know about our championship, and we’re highly visible,” she explains. “Fans come to see us, ask for photos, and follow how we’re doing. It’s great to feel their support, and it’s amazing for female participation in motorcycle racing.”
It All Started with Motocross
Sanchez’s love for motorcycles began at the age of seven when she received her first motorcycle, a 50cc Honda motocross bike. She recalls riding it for the first time at a track near her grandfather’s house on the outskirts of Barcelona. Two years later, she began competing in road racing in the Copa Promo Velocidad RACC 50cc, continuing in the series for three years before progressing to regional and national junior championships. In 2016, Sanchez won the RFME Women’s Open Yamaha 3R Cup and soon started competing internationally, finishing runner-up in the Women’s European Cup in 2021 and 2022, before moving to the Italian SSP300 Championship in 2023.
A Father’s Influence on the Road to Motorcycle Glory
Reflecting on her journey, Sanchez acknowledges the central role her father has played in her career. “When it comes to motorcycles, the main person I’ve always looked to is my father,” she says. “He introduced me to this world—not because he was a professional rider, but because he loves motorcycles. He’s a mechanic, and bikes are his passion.”
From a Family Team to Serious Competition
As she developed her racing career, Sanchez’s family was ever-present. “I was a daring child, so I never shied away from the challenges of racing,” she adds. “In the junior categories, we didn’t have a professional team—it was just me, my father, and my aunt. My father took care of everything, and we traveled to the tracks together, creating a family atmosphere. When I moved up to the senior categories, I had a team, and my father’s role changed. He no longer needed to be my mechanic, but we still trained together, and now, as I train even more, he continues to train with me. I think he’s the proudest father in the world now that I’m in the championship. He’s at every race!”
WorldWCR will return to action for the season finale for the Prometeon Spanish Roundfrom October 18th to 20th
at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, Andalucía.
Official WorldWCR Press Release
