The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship did not disappoint on close racing action in Race 2, as the paddock took to the Circuito Estoril in Portugal on Sunday afternoon. It was an incredible first victory for Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) as she rode to glory on the final straight, beating current Championship leader Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) by just 0.032 seconds, whilst Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) completed the rostrum, followed by a notably strong race from Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) who took fourth.

CHAMPIONSHIP DECIDER: Title winner will be crowned in Jerez

Second place in the Championship rankings; #6 rider Maria Herrera was strong off the line, starting from pole position as she led the field into turn 1 as Sanchez and Carrasco chased her down. The 12-lap race was dictated by four front riders including Herrera, Sanchez, Carrasco and Neila who gapped the rest of the paddock throughout Race 2.  

FOUR WAY BATTLE: Leading group fight for podium

With dry and sunny weather, the perfect Estoril track conditions set the stage for a continuous exchange in places between the leading group as they all matched on race pace.  Fans were on the edge of their seats as non-stop overtakes between the four riders unfolded. Cremona podium finisher Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) was determined to close in on the front group, riding a consistent race in fifth position, yet proved unable to make any gains on the separating gap.

RELPH CRASHES OUT: Australian falls on Lap 5

It was disappointment in the TAYCO Motorsport garage, as Tayla Relph crashed out of contention on the fifth lap of the race, ending up in the gravel on Turn 4. The #52 South African rider Jessica Howden (Team Trasimeno) also ended her Portuguese race weekend in disappointment as she crashed out of the top seven with only 5 laps to go. Back at the front though, it was down to the last lap, as Carrasco led the group onto the home straight.

THE FINAL LAP: a slipstream battle to the end

Taking advantage of the slipstream, Sanchez timed her overtake perfectly as she crossed the chequered flag ahead of the #22, whilst Herrera completed the all-Spanish podium, with Neila taking a close fourth. Ponziani claimed fifth position as she led Pakita Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1) across the line to round off the top six Race 2 finishers. The Championship is certainly heating up as The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship title winner will be crowned at the final round in Jerez, Spain, in just one week's time.

The top six from WorldWCR Race 2, full results here:

1. Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team)
2. Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) +0.032s
3. Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) +0.164s
4. Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +0.310s
5. Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) +10.596s
6. Pakita Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1) +16.696s

Fastest lap: Ana Carrasco (Yamaha) – 1’49.872s

Championship standings

1. Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) 208 points
2. Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) 190
3. Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) 166
4. Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) 136
5. Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) 109
6. Pakita Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1) 90

Don’t miss the WorldWCR Championship decider at Jerez next week for FREE on the WorldWCR YouTube channel!