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The anticipation for the upcoming FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship is palpable as the entry list featuring 24 talented riders from 12 different nationalities has been officially confirmed. This season marks the third installment of the championship, which has rapidly established itself as a vital platform for empowering women in motorcycle racing. The opening race is scheduled at the scenic Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimao from March 27 to 29, kicking off a thrilling six-round series.
This championship serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity, striving to increase visibility for female competitors and expand their presence within the traditionally male-dominated sphere of motorcycle racing. With participants hailing from continents including North America, South America, Europe, and Oceania, the championship underscores the global appeal and rising significance of women’s racing.
New riders join the race
The 2026 season introduces an exciting group of eight newcomers, each eager to make their mark in the championship. Among these fresh faces is Paola Ramos from the Klint Racing Team, who made headlines last year by clinching victory in the final race of the 2025 season as a wildcard participant. Other notable rookies include Martina Guarino (Prata Motor Sport), Katie Hand (Team Trasimeno), Line Vieillard (FT Racing Academy), who also competed as a wildcard at Magny-Cours, Arianna Barale (Hadden Racing Team), Patrycja Sowa (Team Trasimeno), Karolina Danak (Yamaha AD78 FIMLA by MS Racing), and Denise Dal Zotto (AG Motorsport Italia), who raced at both Cremona and Donington Park last season.
Established competitors return
These newcomers will join a formidable lineup of 13 experienced riders, all of whom have participated in every season since the championship’s inception. Among them is Maria Herrera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR), the reigning champion from 2025, alongside the runner-up Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha). Consistent podium finishers such as Sara Sanchez (Hadden Racing Team), Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team), and Tayla Relph (Full Throttle Racing) will also return, adding depth and intensity to the competition.
Additionally, Chloe Jones (Monster Energy Crescent Yamaha), who finished third overall last season, is anticipated to be a strong contender for the championship title. Another returning rider is Lucie Boudesseul (GMT94 Yamaha), who had a promising debut, securing two podium finishes and looking to build on that success as she enters her second season.
2026 race schedule overview
As the excitement mounts for the championship, here’s a quick glance at the 2026 race calendar:
- March 21-22:Mandatory Media Days featuring video shoots and photos
- March 23:Official testing at Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, Portugal
- Round 1:March 27-29 at Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, Portugal
- Round 2:April 17-19 at TT Circuit Assen, Netherlands
- Round 3:May 1-3 at Balaton Park Circuit, Hungary
- Round 4:June 12-14 at Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli”, Italy
- Round 5:July 10-12 at Donington Park, UK
- Round 6:October 16-18 at Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, Spain (pending contract confirmation)
About the championship
The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship is a single-make series exclusively for aspiring female riders, with all competitors racing on the Yamaha YZF-R7. Since its inception, the championship has successfully highlighted emerging talents, with Ana Carrasco being the first champion in 2025 followed by Maria Herrera‘s title in the same year. The 2026 season is positioned to further enhance the competitive landscape, providing a platform for riders to hone their skills, break barriers, and inspire future generations of women in motorsport.