The Voice That Drives the Dream of a Women's World Championship in MotoGP

María Herrera: The Voice that Drives the Dream of a Women's World Championship in MotoGP

The championship leader raises her voice from Jerez to demand greater support and professionalization in women's competitions.

The roar of the engines still echoed on the asphalt of Jerez, but world champion María Herrera was already looking towards the future. Before heading to Balaton Park for the third round of the 2026 WCR Women's World Championship, the driver from La Mancha shared her reflections with the media, including Mundo Deportivo. As the champion of the competition, Herrera has a clear mission: to promote the growth of women's motorcycling.

His connection with the paddocks runs deep, having competed in Moto3 and MotoE. Now, with the new women's championship, she feels the responsibility to advocate for its consolidation. “I have always loved being in this paddock,” he confesses, remembering his years in different categories. Her desire is clear: “I would like you to support us, because I think that the women's team deserves an option to compete here, like the Red Bull Rookies Cup, but as a world championship.”

The current champion does not hide the evolution that the perception of her driving has undergone. “People are now watching my races and MotoGP riders tell you, I've never seen you like that and I've always ridden like that, but you haven't seen me,” he explains. Despite the technical limitations in previous categories, their level was always high. “I was one second away in MotoE, and with that you are 14 or fighting in a group behind,” he details.

The current women's championship, according to Herrera, has been a milestone due to the visibility it has provided. “The positive thing about this women's championship is the visibility they have given us and the fight is there. We are moving, with what we have, very quickly and we need a little more support from brands,” he emphasizes.

Herrera's claim goes beyond words. He is actively working to professionalize the competition. “Above all, what we are doing is talking with Superbike directly to professionalize this championship, compact the group, so that there is more fight,” he details. Their goal is for the show to be so attractive that it can be integrated into the MotoGP program.

“In the end, to bring it here to MotoGP, you have to have a more interesting group. We are already achieving it, there is the fight in front, the fight behind, and I think it is super fun; until the last lap you never know who is going to win and the championships have been until the last race,” he says proudly.

The pilot from La Mancha firmly believes in the potential of the female public as spectators. “It is a different show and I think we can attract much more female audiences, which are also missing, and the stands can be filled more,” he comments, envisioning a future with greater attendance in the stands.

Herrera's vision is ambitious: combining races from the MotoGP and Superbike program in some rounds. “Yes, that would be my idea from the beginning, to see how it works, because you can't start directly. I'm sure it will work, because the girls are super excited to be able to get here,” she says.

Looking back, Herrera and Ana Carrasco are pioneers who broke barriers. “Herrera, who together with Ana Carrasco were regular riders in the Moto3 World Championship before ending up in the Superbike World Championship,” he recalls. Dorna's lack of initial commitment, according to Herrera, is due to a fear that the women's World Cup would not attract. “But I think it does attract,” he says.

With her experience, María Herrera feels she has the authority to push for a place in MotoGP. “For my part, it is important to continue fighting, I am the one with the most experience, and I can put pressure on them to bring it to MotoGP one day. I feel with the power to speak and be heard,” she declares.

Her final goal is ambitious: “I want to put the women's championship at a high level.” But to do this, a significant technical leap is needed. “The single-brand has been very easy because the budget is very cheap, very affordable for everyone, but I would love to have a single-brand motorcycle ready, because we have a standard motorcycle, we do not have competition brakes, the motorcycle still has few horsepower,” he details.

Finding a main sponsor is crucial. “We need a sponsor in the championship, it still says Women, and we need a brand that supports us to be able to grow sportingly, I think we deserve it, but it is difficult to find a brand that supports the championship,” he laments, pointing out the gap between current motorcycles and competition ones.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is María Herrera and what is her current role in motorcycling?
María Herrera is the current world champion of the WCR 2026 women's category and a key figure in the promotion and professionalization of women's competitions in motorcycling.

What does María Herrera want for the future of the women's championship?
She aspires for the women's championship to be recognized and supported at the level of other categories such as the Red Bull Rookies Cup, becoming a world championship integrated into the MotoGP program.

What challenges does the women's championship currently face according to María Herrera?
The main challenges are the need for greater brand support, the professionalization of the competition and the technical improvement of motorcycles to increase the level and spectacle.

How does María Herrera think we can attract more audiences, especially women?
He believes that a more competitive and exciting show, similar to the one they already offer, can attract a broader audience, including a greater number of female motorcycling fans.

What steps are being taken to professionalize the championship?
Direct discussions are being held with Superbike to improve the structure of the competition, compact the rider groups and increase the intensity of the races.

Why does María Herrera believe that the jump to MotoGP has not yet been made?
She believes that there is still a fear that the women's championship will not attract enough audiences, even though she firmly believes in its audience potential.

What technical improvements are needed in the women's championship bikes?
Motorcycles more prepared for competition are required, with better brakes and more power, instead of the standard motorcycles currently used.

What role does Ana Carrasco play in the history of women's motorcycling?
Ana Carrasco is a pioneer, SSP300 world champion in 2018 and the first female world champion, setting a precedent for pilots like María Herrera.

What does it mean for María Herrera to have the opportunity to speak and be heard?
It means having the power and responsibility to use your experience to push for a better future for the women's championship and put it at the highest level possible.

What is María Herrera's long-term vision for the integration of women's motorcycling?
Its objective is that women's races can be combined with MotoGP and Superbike programs, demonstrating the viability and attractiveness of women's competition.

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