Race 1 of The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship provided some thrilling action for spectators at the Estoril Circuit in Portugal, as current Championship leader Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) stepped on the top of the podium, ahead of her title rival Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) in second and fellow Spaniard Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) taking third place.

LAST TO PODIUM: Herrera stuns with Race 1 ride

It was an unscripted start to Herrera’s first race of the weekend in Portugal, originally starting from second on the grid, however unexpectedly facing a mechanical issue before the warm up lap. The Spanish rider was able to restart her bike in time for the race start, however, had to do so from the back of the grid. It was the 27-year-old Carrasco who got the holeshot at lights out, leading Neila and Tayla Relph (TAYCO Motorsport) into Turn 1.

RED FLAG: Rain ends race at two thirds distance

All eyes were on the Championship contender Herrera though, as she stormed through the field, riding into the top ten in the first lap. Her impressive performance continued as she overtook from fifth position into third with 10 laps race distance remaining, whilst Relph and Carrasco dualled for first. It wasn't long before the #6 was able to pass Relph into second as she hunted down her title rival #22 Carrasco.

ALL SPANISH PODIUM: Neila completes rostrum

Unexpected rain fall descended onto the Portuguese circuit with just 5 laps remaining, and it wasn't long before the stewards displayed the red flags, ending the race at two thirds race distance. After race reviews, it was Carrasco who claimed first despite a strong effort from Herrera to overtake into Turn 1 before the flags came out. The heavy downpour resulted in several rides crashing out in the final moments, with the likes of Relph, Chun Mei Liu (WT Racing Team Taiwan) and Emily Bondi (YART Zelos Black Knights Team) in the gravel.

JUST MISSING OUT: Sanchez P4, Relph impresses in difficult conditions

It was Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) who just missed out on a podium position as she took fourth place ahead of Tayla Relph (TAYCO Motorsport) who managed to get her bike back to pit lane following her crash, followed by Pakita Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1) in sixth. The Championship dual will continue into Race 2 on Sunday, as both #22 and #6 aim for crucial points in the penultimate race weekend.

The top six from WorldWCR Race 1, full results here:

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

Fastest lap: Sara Sánchez – 1’54.402s

Don’t miss WorldWCR Race 2 on Saturday at 12:45 Local Time (UTC+1) for FREE on the WorldWCR YouTube channel!