WorldWCR: After four rounds, only nine points separate Herrera and Neila before Nevers Magny-Cours

The race for the FIM Women's World Championship intensifies after the Hungarian round. Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing Team) and Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) are still separated by just nine points with four races remaining. Herrera won Race 1 with a historic lead at the Balaton Park circuit, while Neila responded on Sunday, cancelling out the lead gained by the No. 6 car on Saturday.

 

In Race 1, Herrera took victory by more than a second. It was the largest lead in WorldWCR history, and the first race to be decided by more than a second. The #6 car extended its Championship lead to 18 points with the win, with Neila finishing only third, and Chloe Jones (GR Motosport) again on the podium. This put Herrera in a strong position ahead of Race 2 on Sunday.

 

Regarding her victory, Herrera said: “I’m very happy to have won! I fought with the group and made a lot of overtaking moves in the first and last parts of the circuit. I managed to manage some corners, because this circuit is new to me and I didn’t know some chicanes very well, even in the race. I improved a little and was able to open up a gap. I pushed hard until the end of the race. I’m happy with this bigger gap, it’s more relaxed, but I have to push until the end of the championship, like last year.”

 

 

On Sunday, the roles were reversed. Neila took the win – by 0,220 seconds – ahead of Jones. Herrera finished third, the points earned in the No. 36 having been erased in Race 2. The battle for victory was fierce between three drivers, with less than a second separating them at the finish line. Only Herrera and Neila led any laps, and all three were in contention for victory at the end of the WorldWCR's first visit to Hungary.

 

After responding with a win, Neila said: “I’m super happy again! Race 2 was incredible. Halfway through the race, I opened up a gap to Chloe and Maria. Personally, I did a good job and made good progress. I also set a good time because I did it alone, with no one in front of me. The bike worked well. The championship is very close, the gap is the same as after Donington. I’ll have to keep working and do my best for the remaining races.”

 

 

Nine points separate Herrera and Neila heading into the fifth round of the season at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, and technically, the title could be decided there, although it's unlikely. The No. 6 car is expected to edge out her rival by 42 points and leave the French circuit with a 51-point lead over Neila, or 50 points if Herrera wins both races; to date, Herrera has four wins and Neila three.