Yamaha and WorldWCR to Split After 2026 Season
The FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship and Yamaha Motor Europe will end their partnership after the 2026 season. Yamaha supplied R7 machines for the series' first three years and helped launch it in 2024. WorldWCR has hosted 55 riders from 25 countries, with Ana Carrasco and Maria Herrera winning the first two titles.
The series launched at Misano in June 2024 and has welcomed 55 riders from 25 nationalities. Yamaha R7 machines formed its foundation for three seasons, with JiR as technical partner.
Ana Carrasco won the first title in 2024; Maria Herrera claimed the second in 2025. WorldSBK's Gregorio Lavilla praised Yamaha's early belief and JiR's work, saying the project helped open doors and produce title winners. WorldWCR states it will keep building on that work to help more women advance.
The split may affect female racers, teams, and fans who see WorldWCR as a visible pathway in motorsport. If Yamaha's exit leads to reduced technical continuity or higher costs, opportunities for emerging riders could shift, though the series' next chapter may attract new partners. Its social impact may depend on whether WorldWCR preserves a global platform for women, potentially influencing perceptions of women in racing and inspiring broader participation.