Herrara triumphs in a five-lap WorldWCR ‘sprint’ at Cremona
Race 1 Highlights: WorldWCR
Race Overview
The first race of the WorldWCR weekend took place as planned on Saturday under dry conditions but was red-flagged after six laps due to an incident involving Alyssia Whitmore from the Sekhmet Motorcycle Racing Team.
After a brief delay, the race resumed with a shortened format of just five laps. The restart grid was determined by the riders’ positions before the red flag. Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) started from pole position, joined by fellow Spaniards Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) and Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) on the front row. Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team), Teyla Ralph (Tayco Motorsport), and Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) made up the second row.
With only five laps to secure a victory, the top riders wasted no time. Carrasco quickly took the lead but was overtaken by Herrera on lap three. A fierce battle between Herrera, Carrasco, and Sanchez unfolded, with all three riders fighting hard for the win.
Race Results
Maria Herrera ultimately claimed victory, crossing the finish line just 0.075 seconds ahead of Sara Sanchez. Sanchez finished 0.122 seconds ahead of Carrasco, completing the podium.
Roberta Ponziani, the top Italian rider, finished fourth, just behind the leading trio. She was followed closely by Beatriz Neila, Pakita Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1), and Teyla Ralph.
Wildcard entrant Avalon Lewis (Carl Cox Motor Sports) finished in eighth place, while Astrid Madrigal (ITALIKA Racing FIMLA) and Mallory Dobbs (Sekhmet Motorcycle Racing Team) completed the top ten. The race’s top ten riders represented six different countries.
Fastest Lap
Roberta Ponziani set the fastest lap of the race on lap three, clocking in at 1’41.235. This earned her pole position for Sunday’s Race 2.
Incidents
Sara Varon (ITALIKA Racing FIMLA), Lena Kemmer (Bertl K. Racing Team), and Alyssia Whitmore crashed out during the first part of the race. Whitmore was diagnosed with a minor head injury, a possible concussion, and an injury to her right thumb. She was transferred to Cremona hospital for further evaluation.
Championship Standings:
- Maria Herrera continues to lead the championship with 154 points, extending her advantage to 16 points over her closest rival.
- Ana Carrasco holds second place with 138 points.
- Sara Sanchez remains in third with 128 points.
Key Race Stats:
- Pole Position: Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) – 1’41.152
- Race 1 Winner: Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team)
- Fastest Lap: Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) – 1’41.235
Post-Race Rider Reactions:
P1 | Maria Herrera | Klint Forward Factory Team
“This was one of the toughest races so far, but I really enjoyed it. With just five laps, it was short, but I was strong in braking and had a great battle with Sara, who was also really competitive on the brakes. On the final lap, I did well in sector one and set myself up nicely for the last corners. However, I still need to improve along the straight, so we’ll analyze the data and see if any adjustments are needed for tomorrow’s Race 2. Overall, I’m happy with my performance but know I can do better.”
P2 | Sara Sanchez | 511 Terra&Vita Racing Team
“Another second-place finish, and so close to the win! It was a tough race, and I had another intense battle with Maria and Ana. I’m satisfied with my top-three finish, but I’m eager for a win, especially as a morale boost. Friday didn’t start well, and I had to work hard to find a good feeling with the bike and track. Fortunately, I had a strong start today, which allowed me to run at the front and fight for the lead. Let’s see what we can achieve in tomorrow’s race.”
P3 | Ana Carrasco | Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team
“I’m not entirely happy with today’s result. Before the red flag, I felt in control and believed I could win. The shortened race made things difficult, and I didn’t expect Sara to pass me on lap three. Starting the final lap in third left me with little opportunity to overtake Sara and Maria again. While I’m disappointed, it’s still a podium finish. Tomorrow, I’ll be pushing hard with my team to find that extra bit of performance for Race 2.”
Race 2 promises another thrilling battle as the riders continue to fight for the championship.
WorldWCR Race 1 Results
1. Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team)
2. Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) +0.075s
3. Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) +0.197s
4. Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) +5.113s
5. Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +5.382s
6. Pakita Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1) +6.418s
Championship Standings
1. Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) 154 points
2. Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros. Racing Yamaha Team) 138 points
3. Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) 128 points
WorldWCR action resumes on Sunday with Warm Up from 9:30 (Local Time), followed by Race 2 at 12:45.
