A New Era on Two Wheels: The FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship
Motorsport has always been about speed, skill, and the relentless pursuit of victory. But for a long time, the highest levels of circuit racing were a difficult place for women to find a consistent, professional platform. That's all changing now with the introduction of the FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR), a historic and groundbreaking series that's creating a new path for female riders.
The Purpose: A Championship for Equality and Opportunity
Announced in 2023 and launching its inaugural season in 2024, the WorldWCR is a dedicated, all-female racing series organized by the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) and Dorna, the same company behind MotoGP and the Superbike World Championship. The core mission of this championship is to provide a global stage for talented women to showcase their skills, helping them build professional and sustainable careers in a sport where opportunities have been limited.
The championship is not just about competition; it's a powerful statement on gender equality in motorsport. By creating a professional, high-visibility platform, WorldWCR aims to inspire a new generation of girls and women to get involved in racing, from the grassroots level all the way to the top.
The Format: Fair Racing on Equal Machinery
To ensure that the focus remains entirely on rider talent, the WorldWCR is a one-make series. All 24 permanent riders compete on identical Yamaha YZF-R7 motorcycles, fitted with the same technical specifications. This removes any potential performance advantage from one bike to another, putting the spotlight squarely on who can master the machine and the track.
The race weekend format mirrors that of other world-class championships. It includes a qualifying session with a Superpole lap to determine the grid for Race 1, and two races per round. The grid for Race 2 is determined by the fastest laps from Race 1 for the top nine riders, with the rest of the grid set by their Superpole times, adding an extra strategic element to the weekend. The series is run as a support class for six of the European rounds of the Superbike World Championship, placing these female riders on the biggest stage possible.
The Inaugural Season: A Historic First Champion
The 2024 season was a resounding success, culminating in a thrilling championship battle. Spain’s Ana Carrasco, a trailblazer who was already the first woman to win a solo FIM World Championship (in Supersport 300), added another historic title to her name by becoming the first-ever FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Champion. Her consistent performance and four wins throughout the season solidified her place in racing history.
Following her victory, Carrasco has already moved on to the Supersport World Championship, demonstrating the championship's clear path for career progression. Her success proves that the WorldWCR is not just a destination, but a springboard for female riders to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
The FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship is more than just a new series—it's a testament to the incredible talent of female riders and a commitment to a more inclusive future for motorcycle racing. It's a new era, and the best part is, it's just getti
ng started.