The World of Motorcycling

Championship leader Herrera closes in on the WorldWCR title, dominating Race 1 at Donington despite a penalty for her involvement in Neila’s crashRace 1 Highlights:

Key Points:Tissot Superpole: Maria Herrera – 1’39.061Race 1 winner: Maria HerreraRace fastest lap: Maria Herrera – 1’39.357 (lap 4)

P1 | Maria Herrera | Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR“I felt good already in FP1 and that feeling continued into today’s race. I don’t know why I’m so fast here at Donington, but I was strong already in 2024 and it’s a track I like. When I saw the double long lap penalty, I was surprised. I knew I had a small lead and so I tried to manage the situation in terms of carrying out the long laps, but it wasn’t easy. The contact with Beatriz was of course accidental; I didn’t even know she had crashed until the end of the race. It’s a pity and I didn’t want that, but I had the line and she tried to overtake me at a point where I was faster. I would be angry in her position too. As for Race 2, I think we have the potential to win again, but I will be thinking about the championship too of course.” P2 | Paola Ramos | Klint Racing“When I saw the double long lap penalty, I didn’t understand right away but I did my best to manage the situation. We’ve gained a lot of information for tomorrow’s race, and for next season too, and that was the point really, to continue to gain experience and knowledge. This is my first time racing at Donington and for sure I have things I can still improve, but to finish second in my first race at this track is amazing. Race 2 will be a little different I think, but we’ll see what we can do.” P3 | Muklada Sarapuech | Yamaha AD78 FIMLA by EEST NJT Racing“An amazing Race 1 here at Donington. I knew it was going to be difficult from eighth on the grid, but I was able to make a good start. Maria and Paola were so fast out front but with every lap I was learning more about how to ride this track. I tried my best to push lap after lap and then realized there was a group of riders there with me. I really wanted a podium, so I did my best to manage the last lap and exploit the sections of the track where I know I’m fast. I believed I could take third, and I did it. So, I’m very happy to be back on the podium and want to thank the team and all our sponsors. I don’t know what we can do tomorrow but I will do my best to finish top three once more.”DNF – Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha)“I'm happy with how I performed this weekend because I started Friday really well. This morning I also felt super good and I was ready to have a great race, enjoy the battle and fight together. For me, it's not fair to lose a race like this because I think it was a dangerous action from Maria. Tomorrow I will give it my all, as always, doing my very best just as I have done in every race.”

1. Maria Herrera (Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR)2. Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) +3.7443. Muklada Sarapuech (EEST NJT Racing Team) +5.313s4. Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team) +5.588s5. Sara Sanchez (Hadden Racing Team) +6.191s6. Chloe Jones (Monster Energy Crescent Yamaha) +6.300s