The 2026 FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship is heating up, with the title race down to the wire. Maria Herrera, the current leader, is just 24 points ahead of her closest rival, Beatriz Neila, heading into the penultimate round at Donington Park. With two races remaining, Herrera has a slim shot at clinching her second title, but Neila is determined to make a comeback.
Herrera's consistent podium finishes this season have put her in a strong position. She needs to outscore Neila by 26 points over the next two races to secure the championship. If Herrera wins both races and Neila finishes no higher than fifth, she will be crowned the World Champion. Neila, however, is not giving up. She knows that beating Herrera head-to-head in the remaining races is her best chance to reclaim the title, having only managed one win this season.
The battle for the title is intense, but it's not the only competition. Paola Ramos, a rookie, is 84 points behind Herrera, and Roberta Ponziani and Muklada Sarapuech are also in the mix, with slim margins between them. The fight for third place is particularly close, with Ramos leading Ponziani by just eight points, and Sarapuech six points behind.
The British track presents a challenge for some riders, but others are thriving. Chloe Jones has been on a roll, taking five podiums in the final six races of 2025. She aims to build on her maiden podium at Donington Park and is currently fifth in the standings. Natalia Rivera, just behind Jones, has also had a strong season, consistently finishing in the top ten. Pakita Ruiz, another Spanish rider, is close behind, but a crash at Assen set her back.
Yvonne Cerpa is another rider to watch. She had a strong performance at Misano, taking P6 and P4, and is aiming for a maiden podium. Astrid Madrigal, currently in P11, is also hoping to improve her position at Donington Park, where she managed to break into the top six for the first time this season.
The championship is not without its surprises. Lucie Boudesseul is out with an injury, and Astrid Madrigal will take her place. There are also some wildcard replacements, including Justine Pedemonte, Ornella Ongaro, and Julie Ritaine, adding an extra layer of excitement to the final rounds.
As the season reaches its climax, the championship is set to be a thrilling spectacle. With so much on the line, every race will be crucial, and the battle for the title will be decided by the riders' skill, determination, and a bit of luck.
