Carrasco Extends Championship Lead in an Electrifying WorldWCR Race 1 Battle
Race 1 Highlights:
The first race of the Estoril WorldWCR weekend delivered intense action, with championship leader Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) and title contender María Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) engaging in a fierce battle for victory. The race started under dry conditions but ended in heavy rain.
Despite a setback that forced her to start from the back of the grid due to a technical issue, Herrera had a spectacular recovery, climbing into the top three within two laps. Her incredible pace brought her back into contention, creating a nail-biting battle at the front.
Although the race started dry, rain poured down with five laps to go. The race was red-flagged on lap 8, and Carrasco emerged victorious, edging Herrera by just 0.082 seconds. This marked Carrasco’s fourth win of the season, making her the only rider to have stood on the podium in every race so far.
Close behind the leaders, Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) finished third, just 0.17 seconds off the winner, securing her second podium of the season with a remarkable performance.
Key Performers:
Sara Sánchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) claimed fourth place, despite having to serve a long-lap penalty due to her involvement in the Cremona incident, where both she and Herrera crashed while fighting for the win. Sánchez’s determination was evident as she fought back to finish inside the top five.
Tayla Ralph (TAYCO Motorsport), showing mastery in wet conditions, followed her Cremona podium with a solid fifth-place finish at Estoril.
Pakita Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1) and Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) finished sixth and seventh, respectively, closing within just a second of each other.
The top ten was rounded out by Mallory Dobbs (Sekhmet Motorcycle Racing Team), Astrid Madrigal (ITALIKA Racing FIMLA), and Adela Ourednickova (DaftMotoracing by Smrz).
Looking Ahead to Race 2:
Sánchez will start Race 2 from pole position on Sunday, having set the fastest lap in Race 1. She will be joined on the front row by Neila and Herrera, while Carrasco will start from fourth position.
Championship Standings:
- Ana Carrasco extended her lead to 188 points with another victory.
- María Herrera remains a close contender, just 14 points behind with 174 points.
- Sara Sánchez holds onto third place with 141 points, followed by Beatriz Neila in fourth with 123 points.
Key Results:
- Pole position: Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) – 1’51.706
- Race 1 winner: Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team)
- Fastest lap: Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) – 1’50.402
Rider Reactions:
P1 | Ana Carrasco | Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team
“This win is special because I had a serious injury at Estoril before, and it’s my first time back here since. The weather made things difficult, but I’m really happy with the result. When the rain started, I pushed harder, knowing they might red-flag the race. We’ve done well, but María and I are still very close in the standings. There’s more work to do, and we’ll have to be ready for anything in Race 2, especially with the unpredictable weather. I’ll do my best to get back on the podium.”
P2 | María Herrera | Klint Forward Factory Team
“What a race! I had to start from the back of the grid due to a technical issue, but I quickly regained confidence and moved up 18 positions on the first lap. I was leading when the red flag came out, but unfortunately, the results reverted to the previous lap, so I finished second. It’s still an important result, and I’m in a strong position for Race 2. Starting from the front row tomorrow, I know I can improve in certain parts of the track.”
P3 | Beatriz Neila | Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha
“I’m really happy with this race. The track conditions were confusing at first, but I managed to stick with Ana and María and reach the podium. It’s crucial for me to have kept pace with them, as they have a lot of experience. I’m starting second in Race 2 and I think I have a real shot at another podium tomorrow.”
The thrilling battle at Estoril has set the stage for an even more exciting Race 2, where championship points are on the line and every second counts.
WorldWCR Race 1 Results
1. Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team)
2. María Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) +0.082s
3. Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +0.170s
4. Sara Sánchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) +5.379s
5. Tayla Relph (TAYCO Motorsport) +5.458s
6. Pakita Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1) +9.150s
Championship Standings
1. Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros. Racing Yamaha Team) 188 points
2. Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) 174 points
3. Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) 141 points
WorldWCR action resumes on Sunday with Warm Up from 9:30 (Local Time), followed by Race 2 at 12:45.
Official WorldWCR Press Release
