WorldWCR Race 2 Jerez Championship Race

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Carrasco secures first WorldWCR title with Jerez podium

Race 2 Highlights:

Ana Carrasco of Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team clinched the inaugural WorldWCR title with a podium finish in the final race at Jerez. Fully aware that even the smallest mistake could cost her the championship, Carrasco prioritized running a clean race. Positioned fifth with three laps to go, she skillfully gained ground on the final lap, securing third place and the 2024 championship crown. The 27-year-old rider stood on the podium in every one of the twelve races this season, achieving 4 wins, 8 podium finishes, 2 pole positions, and 4 fastest laps.

Maria Herrera, racing for Klint Forward Factory Team, entered the race with a 13-point deficit, knowing that only a victory would keep her championship hopes alive. The winner of Race 1 on Saturday, Herrera aimed to replicate her success on Sunday. Leading the race for a time, it came down to the final corners where, in a desperate push to reclaim the lead, she collided with Sara Sanchez, ending her race with a crash at Turn 13.

Despite her Race 2 mishap, Herrera had an outstanding season and finished as a well-deserved championship runner-up. At 28, she secured the highest number of wins this season with 6 victories and earned 3 additional podiums. Herrera also took home the Tissot Superpole Award, achieving pole position in three out of six rounds.

Sara Sanchez of 511 Terra&Vita Racing Team, who started from pole on Sunday, emerged victorious in the season’s final race, though it was a hard-fought victory. A group of five riders, including championship contenders and Italy’s Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team), fiercely contested the podium spots. Despite dropping to sixth early on, Sanchez battled her way back to claim her second win of the season and secure third place in the overall championship standings. Her season accomplishments include 2 wins, 8 additional podiums, a pole position, and the Pirelli Best Lap Award.

Beatriz Neila of Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha, who secured a podium on Saturday, repeated the feat in Race 2, crossing the line just 0.3 seconds behind Sanchez. This marked her fourth podium finish, ensuring enough points to finish fourth in the overall standings. Neila showcased remarkable consistency by finishing in the top five in every race of the season.

Roberta Ponziani fought valiantly for a podium finish in what was likely her best race of the season. Although she ended up in fourth place, her points haul secured fifth in the championship standings.

Pakita Ruiz of PS Racing Team 46+1 mirrored her performance from Saturday, placing fifth again in Race 2. This result guaranteed her sixth in the general standings. Ruiz was one of only three riders, along with Neila and Carrasco, to score points in every race this season.

Wildcard rider Chloe Jones of GR Motorsport impressed early, racing into the top five when the race began. However, a double long-lap penalty for a jump start hindered her progress. Despite this setback, Jones finished sixth and scored crucial championship points in her debut WorldWCR round.

Tayla Relph of Tayco Motorsport finished seventh in Race 2 and secured seventh place in the championship standings, making her the top-ranked non-European rider of this inaugural WorldWCR season.

Completing the top ten in the final Jerez race were Jessica Howden of Team Trasimeno, Mallory Dobbs of Sekhmet Motorcycle Racing Team, and Isis Carreno of AD78 FIM Latinoamerica by Team GP3.

Championship Standings:

Ana Carrasco – 244 points, securing the 2024 title.
Maria Herrera – 215 points, finishing runner-up.
Sara Sanchez – 191 points, claiming third place.
Beatriz Neila – 172 points, finishing fourth.
Roberta Ponziani – 135 points.
Pakita Ruiz – 112 points.
Tayla Relph – 83 points.
Madrigal – 60 points.
Yochay – 56 points.
Ongaro – 55 points.

Key Points:

Pole Position: Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) – 1’51.706
Race 1 Winner: Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team)
Race 2 Winner: Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team)
Fastest Lap: Sara Sanchez (Race 1) – 1’51.533

Post-Race Interviews:

P1 | Sara Sanchez | 511 Terra&Vita Racing Team:
“It was a unique race today with such a large leading group. I was cautious at first, but as the laps went by, I realized I had to react if I wanted a podium finish. I didn’t see Maria’s crash, but I’m sorry that it ended that way for her. I don’t believe I did anything wrong. Overall, I’m happy with how the season ended, and I’m grateful to my team for their hard work. We secured third place in the championship, and I’m pleased with that.”

P2 | Beatriz Neila | Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha:
“An incredible race! I gave it my all and finished second. I feel like my season is just beginning, as I’ve been performing at my best and had a strong weekend. I’m happy to have finished in the top five in every race and made no mistakes. Ending the season in fourth place is a solid result for our first year.”

World Champion (P3) | Ana Carrasco | Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team:
“I didn’t have a set strategy when the race began. I just wanted to make the group smaller since fighting with six riders can be unpredictable. When Maria started to attack, I stayed close to the front and made my move in the final laps. It was tough, but I managed to pass Ponziani at the last corner, securing enough points for the title. It’s been an amazing season, and I’m thrilled to have finished on the podium in every race. The team has done an outstanding job, and I’m overjoyed.”

Championship Runner-Up (DNF) | Maria Herrera | Klint Forward Factory Team:
“I gave everything this season and this weekend. I had a perfect race yesterday, and today I knew I could fight for the win. Unfortunately, I made contact with Sara in the last corner, and that ended my race. I’m disappointed because I feel I did all I could. I’m thankful to my team for the opportunity, and though I didn’t win the championship, I’m proud of what we’ve achieved.”

WorldWCR Race 2 Results

1. Sara Sánchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team)
2. Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +0.368s
3. Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) +0.639s
4. Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) +0.722s
5. Pakita Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1) +1.039s
6. Chloe Jones (GR Motorsport) +10.927s

Championship Standings

1. Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) 244 points
2. Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) 215 points
3. Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) 191 points

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