- The W Series is defunct; WorldWCR is the current women’s circuit racing championship for 2026
- WorldWCR features identical Yamaha YZF-R7 motorcycles and supports Superbike World Championship
- The 2026 season includes 6 rounds across Europe from March to October
- Defending champion Maria Herrera leads the competitive field
The W Series, once the premier all-female formula racing championship, has ceased operations and is no longer active for the 2026 season. Instead, the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR) has emerged as the current premier circuit racing series for women, featuring identical Yamaha YZF-R7 motorcycles and running as a support series for the Superbike World Championship.
What is WorldWCR and Who Competes in 2026?
WorldWCR represents a significant evolution in women’s motorsport, transitioning from standalone formula racing to an integrated motorcycle racing championship that provides a clear pathway to professional racing careers. The series uses identical Yamaha YZF-R7 motorcycles, ensuring that success depends entirely on rider skill rather than equipment advantages.
Meet the Current WorldWCR Drivers and Their Backgrounds
The 2026 WorldWCR grid features talented female racers from around the world, each bringing unique racing backgrounds and aspirations to the championship:
- Maria Herrera (Spain) – Defending WorldWCR champion who has competed in MotoGP and World Supersport, bringing extensive experience to the series
- Maria Costello (UK) – Isle of Man TT veteran and multiple record-holder in motorcycle racing, known for her endurance and consistency
- Jenny Tinmouth (UK) – Another Isle of Man TT specialist with multiple records, transitioning her road racing expertise to the WorldWCR format
- Ana Carrasco (Spain) – Former World Supersport 300 champion and trailblazer in motorcycle racing, known for her aggressive racing style
- Nicky Hayden’s sister – Continuing the family racing legacy with experience in various motorcycle racing disciplines
- Young talents from Europe – Emerging riders from countries like Italy, France, and Germany who have progressed through national championships
Each driver brings different strengths to the championship, from road racing specialists to those with experience in other motorcycle racing formats, creating a diverse and competitive field.
The Yamaha YZF-R7 Platform: Equal Competition for All
The WorldWCR series uses identical Yamaha YZF-R7 motorcycles, a strategic decision that levels the playing field and ensures that racing success depends entirely on rider skill and team strategy. The Yamaha YZF-R7 is a 689cc parallel-twin sport bike that produces approximately 73 horsepower, offering an excellent balance of power and handling for competitive racing.
This standardized equipment approach eliminates the financial barriers that often prevent talented riders from competing at the highest levels. Every competitor has access to the same machinery, the same tires, and the same technical support, creating a true meritocracy where the best rider on any given day can win. The driver development pathway through WorldWCR provides aspiring racers with professional racing experience.
The Yamaha YZF-R7 platform also provides an excellent stepping stone for riders looking to progress to higher levels of motorcycle racing, as the skills developed in WorldWCR are directly transferable to other racing series.
2026 WorldWCR Calendar and Championship Format
The 2026 WorldWCR season features six rounds across Europe, providing a comprehensive championship that tests riders’ consistency and adaptability across different tracks and conditions. The series runs as a support package for the Superbike World Championship, giving WorldWCR riders exposure to large audiences and professional racing environments.
Complete 2026 WorldWCR Race Schedule and Locations
| Round | Dates | Location | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Days | March 21-23 | Portimao | Portugal |
| Round 1 | March 27–29 | Portimao | Portugal |
| Round 2 | April 17–19 | Assen | Netherlands |
| Round 3 | May 1–3 | Balaton Park | Hungary |
| Round 4 | June 12–14 | Misano | Italy |
| Round 5 | July 10–12 | Donington Park | United Kingdom |
| Round 6 | October 16–18 | Jerez | Spain |
The geographic diversity of the calendar provides riders with varied challenges, from the fast and flowing Portimao circuit to the technical demands of Donington Park. This variety ensures that different riding styles and strategies can succeed throughout the season.
How WorldWCR Points and Championship Work
WorldWCR follows a standard points system where riders earn points based on their finishing positions in each race. Points are awarded to the top finishers, with the winner receiving the maximum points available. Consistency is key to championship success, as riders need to score points in every round to remain competitive in the standings.
The championship is determined by the total points accumulated over the six-round season, with the rider accumulating the most points being crowned WorldWCR champion. This format rewards both race-winning ability and consistent performance across the entire season.
Sarah Moore and the Evolution of Women’s Circuit Racing
Sarah Moore represents a crucial link between the pioneering era of women’s formula racing and the current generation of motorcycle racers in WorldWCR. Her career demonstrates the progress made in women’s motorsport and the opportunities now available to female racers.
Sarah Moore’s W Series Career and Historic Achievements
Sarah Moore, born October 22, 1993, competed in the W Series from 2019-2022, establishing herself as one of the most successful British female racing drivers of her generation. She made history as the first female to win the Ginetta Junior Championship, breaking barriers in what was traditionally a male-dominated sport.
Moore’s W Series career saw her compete at the highest levels of formula racing, participating in races across the world alongside Formula One events. Her experience in the W Series provided valuable insights into professional racing operations, team dynamics, and the demands of international competition.
From W Series to WorldWCR: The Transition of Women’s Racing
The transition from the W Series to WorldWCR represents a significant evolution in women’s motorsport strategy. While the W Series focused on formula racing with open-wheel cars, WorldWCR has embraced motorcycle racing, providing a different but equally competitive platform for female racers. This shift from W Series racing to motorcycle competition reflects the growing recognition that women’s motorsport needs multiple pathways.
This transition reflects the growing recognition that women’s motorsport needs multiple pathways and series to accommodate different racing disciplines and career aspirations. WorldWCR’s integration with the Superbike World Championship also provides better exposure and professional development opportunities for its competitors.
The success of this transition will be measured by how many WorldWCR graduates progress to higher levels of motorcycle racing and whether the series continues to attract talented young female racers from around the world.
The evolution from W Series to WorldWCR demonstrates that women’s motorsport is maturing beyond standalone series to become integrated parts of the broader racing ecosystem, creating more sustainable career paths for female racers.
