Maria Herrera, Queen of WorldWCR: in 2026 with Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha to defend her title and rewrite history

Maria Herrera is a legend of women’s motorcycle racing. Her story is not just that of a talented athlete, but of a pioneer—someone who has carved her own path in a world often dominated by men, with determination, resilience, and a profound sense of responsibility. In 2026 she will race with the Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team

The 29-year-old Spaniard, 2025 World Champion in the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship, will be in her third year in this championship. The numbers speak for themselves: 24 races with 19 podiums and 12 victories.

Maria Herrera has been drawn to the scent of engines since childhood. Raised in a family where motorcycling was an integral part of life, she started riding a minicross bike at the age of six. Her career has been a sequence of milestones that speak of courage and shattered barriers. She was the first woman to win a race in the FIM CEV Repsol, in 2013, making her mark on a scene where women’s competition was still barely visible. She has competed in mixed classes at the highest level: Moto3, MotoE, WorldSSP 300, gaining experience in an environment where female presence was and remains decidedly in the minority.

In 2024 she took part in the inaugural edition of the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship: a brilliant debut that culminated in a fierce title battle right up to the final round. In 2025 came ultimate recognition: a dominant season with six wins and ten total podiums. In 2026 she will aim to repeat that triumph.

“I’m thrilled to begin this new adventure with the Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team - she commented - It will be my third year in the championship, and I believe that combining my experience with that of the team can create a truly strong package. I also have a special motivation: in the past I’ve already worked with Ayrton (Badovini), who knows my style very well and knows how to put me in the best position to perform at my peak. I’m convinced that together we can take another step forward in quality and aim for important results.”

Maria Herrera is not just a successful athlete: she is a role model for those who dare to dream against the odds. Her journey has not lacked difficult moments, including various injuries, but she has never given up and has always been a source of inspiration for other girls. Among other things, Herrera has been named a FIM Ride Green Ambassador, joining a select group of riders who promote sustainability. She herself has said on several occasions that she wants to use her visibility to promote sustainable behaviors and raise awareness among future generations.

This commitment reveals a deeper dimension of her personality: she doesn’t race only for herself, but also for a more conscious future.