Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) will not compete in the next MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship round at the TT Circuit Assen as he continues to recover from the multiple foot fractures he sustained in Australia. The #65 will again be replaced by Jason O’Halloran, who stepped in for Rea at Portimao although had a baptism of fire at the rollercoaster venue after a high-speed Race 2 crash.
Rea was at Portimao and spoke to the media about his return, stating that he hadn’t completely ruled out an Assen return but he would make a decision when he had spoken with his medical team back home. Those conversations have now happened, and Rea confirmed in his vlog from Portimao, where he was on-site to support his team and catch up with his crew, that he would miss the Pirelli Dutch Round across the 11th-13th April.
Australian rider O’Halloran will again step into the Ulsterman’s side of the box. The #20 debuted for the Pata Maxus Yamaha outfit at Portimao, finishing P17 in Race 1 and P20 in the Tissot Superpole Race as he got up to speed on the WorldSBK-spec Yamaha R1, having ridden it in British Superbike-spec and EWC-spec previously. In Race 2, the Aussie had a fast crash at Turn 1 which brought out the red flags although he was okay after the fall. Assen is a circuit he knows from his time in BSB having raced there between 2016 and 2019, securing a podium in Race 2 in 2016 and Race 1 in 2019, on Yamaha machinery in the latter.
Speaking at the end of his vlog, the #65 stated: “It was nice to watch from the track, I enjoyed that part, but you don’t really have a job to do; you’re a bit of a spare part. It was nice to catch up with the crew, see Jason a little bit and see how he’s getting on. ‘Loka’ had a good weekend as well. I need to be out there. I don’t enjoy bikes that much; I enjoy racing them and being competitive. I think you’ll have gathered by now that I won’t be at Assen which is a real shame. Step by step, keep working hard at home and come back stronger.”
A brief statement from Yamaha said: “Following consultation with his medical team earlier this week, we can now confirm that Jonathan Rea will not compete in Round 3 at the TT Circuit Assen. He will again be replaced in the Pata Maxus Yamaha Team by Jason O’Halloran.”
As Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) continues his rehabilitation following a crash during Round 2 at Termas de Rio Hondo in Argentina, he will once again be replaced by Augusto Fernandez. The 27-year-old returned to the MotoGP saddle for the Grand Prix of the Americas last time out and scored three points in a wet and wild Sunday afternoon Grand Prix.
Augusto Fernandez. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Oliveira’s injury to his left shoulder has kept him off-track since the accident occurred with Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) during the Argentina Sprint on Saturday 15th of March. Despite undergoing further medical examinations to assess the shoulder’s recovery, the 30-year-old Portuguese rider will also miss the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar. Yamaha Factory Racing test rider Fernandez will be in his place and returns to a track where the 2022 Moto2 World Champion been a top five finisher in the class as well as a points-scorer in MotoGP.
From left, Josh Hayes, Bryce "The Racer Formerly Known As Prince" Kornbau, and Teague Hobbs. Photo courtesy BPR Racing Yamaha.
With factory support from Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., BPR Racing Yamaha is proud to announce their new and expanded four-rider team this year that will compete in MotoAmerica’s 2025 Superbike and Supersport Championship beginning this weekend at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.
Team owner Bryce Kornbau leads the team and will pilot the #17 BPR Racing Yamaha YZF-R1 in MotoAmerica Superbike. A veteran of AMA and MotoAmerica road racing, Kornbau has matched his accomplishments on the racetrack with his success as a motorsports business owner.
Kornbau’s Kern County Powersports, located in Bakersfield, California, is one of the country’s fastest-growing, full-service powersports dealers with multiple brands under its roof highlighted by Yamaha, which is providing full support to BPR Racing.
“I am very happy to be able to take the next step in the BPR Racing program,” Kornbau said. “This year, we will field a four-rider team out of our new, large-format semi truck and trailer, and we will campaign a pair of Yamaha R1s and a pair of YZF-R9s. BPR Racing was one of the first teams in the U.S. given the opportunity to test and develop the all-new R9. It has been a lot of hard work but also a lot of fun for us. I am very much looking forward to what 2025 has in store for us in the MotoAmerica Superbike and Supersport Championships. All four of us riders, along with our team technicans and supporters, are proud to be racing for the BLU CRU.”
Kornbau is joined in MotoAmerica’s premier Superbike Championship by Californian Deion Campbell aboard the #194 BPR Racing Yamaha R1. Campbell, from Simi Valley, California, is one of the West Coast’s “fast guys,” and he is known for his impressive speed and racecraft on fire-breathing literbikes, and specifically in the saddle Yamaha’s iconic R1.
Bryce Kornbau, left, and Deion Campbell. Photo courtesy BPR Racing Yamaha.
“I am beyond excited to be back with BPR Racing for a second season in MotoAmerica.” commented Campbell. “I am thankful for the blessing to be with such an amazing team. Last year was all about learning and building momentum, and now we’re ready to take things to the next level. The team has been working hard in the off-season, and I can’t wait to get on the grid and fight for top results. 2025 is going to be a big year for us!”
In MotoAmerica Supersport, BPR Racing Yamaha’s Josh Hayes will lead the charge aboard the team’s brand-new #4 Yamaha YZF-R9. A four-time AMA Superbike Champion and the all-time AMA/MotoAmerica race-wins leader across all classes, Hayes obviously needs no introduction. The “Mississippi Madman” and Yamaha legend will apply his unmatched racing and bike-development skills to BPR Racing and the much-anticipated new Yamaha R9 in a focused effort to unleash the full potential and race-winning prowess of the three-cylinder, middleweight, Supersport Next Generation motorcycle.
Hayes said, “I am honored that Bryce has invited me along on his new adventure with BPR Racing, and I’m very much looking forward to racing again in the MotoAmerica series. The innovative and forward-thinking Supersport Next Generation class has shaped up to be one of the most competitive series ever in U.S. professional motorcycle road racing, and I can’t wait to grid up with the boys and see how Yamaha’s new R9 and I stack up.”
Alongside Hayes is seasoned and successful New Hampshire-based rider Teagg Hobbs, who will race the #79 BPR Racing Yamaha R9. Hobbs, a proud New Hampshire native, brings his deep knowledge and experience with middleweight motorcycles to the team, and he will battle against not only his teammate Hayes but also a field of riders that many consider to be one of the deepest and most talented in AMA and MotoAmerica history.
“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity,” said Hobbs. “To be able to compete on the new Yamaha R9, represent BPR Racing, and be teammates with Bryce, Deion, and Josh is a dream come true for me. I love what this team stands for, and it’s refreshing to know I have a whole team behind me that is going to the races with one goal in mind, and that’s, of course, to win. I have the right people around me, and the season is shaping up to be something very special. I’ve been able to call Josh Hayes a good friend for a few years, and now, it’s a great feeling to be able to call him my teammate. We work well together, and I believe BPR Racing will be a force to be reckoned with. Thank you to the BPR Racing team for the opportunity, and also, thank you to my family and sponsors.”
BPR Racing Yamaha’s fearsome foursome will take to the track at Barber Motorsports Park this Friday, April 4, as they begin with practice and qualifying. Final qualifying is on Saturday, along with race one in Superbike and Supersport. On Sunday, the race weekend wraps up with morning warm ups followed by race two in both Superbike and Supersport.
As they embark on their MotoAmerica race season, BPR Racing Yamaha extends a heartfelt thanks to all the companies that support the team, including Kern County Powersports, Yamaha Motor Corporation, California Cubs, Dunlop, Next Level Cycles, Speedcell, Galfer Brakes, Evol Technology, Graves Motorsports, TechSpec-USA, Zero Gravity, Superlite, Öhlins USA, Kyle Racing, FT ECU, and Lieto Factory.
Cory Ventura unveils the Aprilia RSV4 1100 he will race in MotoAmerica Stock 1000 in 2025. Looking on are multi-time World Champion Max Biaggi and Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola at the unveiling at Circuit of The Americas. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
The MotoAmerica season has begun, and PS2 Racing, Aprilia Americas, and Piaggio Group Americas are thrilled to announce that Cory Ventura will be racing the Aprilia RSV4 1100 throughout the entire Stock 1000 season. This exciting project is made possible through the premier partnership and technical excellence of Matt Spicer and Robem Engineering.
Piaggio Group Americas proudly unveiled Cory Ventura’s stunning new bike livery during MotoGP at Circuit of the Americas, marking an exciting milestone ahead of the upcoming race season. Fans and industry insiders alike gathered to get a first look at Ventura’s race machine, setting the stage for an electrifying season as he prepares to take on the competition with Aprilia’s cutting-edge performance and style. Ventura also joined the Aprilia Racing and Trackhouse Racing teams’ MotoGP riders for an exclusive meet and greet, giving fans the opportunity to connect with their favorite racers and celebrate the spirit of competition.
The MotoAmerica Stock 1000 season kicks off at Road Atlanta on May 2, followed by stops at Road America on May 30, Virginia International Raceway on August 1, Mid-Ohio on August 15, and concluding at Circuit of the Americas on September 12. PS2 Racing represents the synergy of Plastic Surgery Racing and Powersport Supply Racing, bringing together expertise and passion for high-performance motorcycle racing. Cory Ventura, despite his young age, boasts an impressive track record with nine MotoAmerica wins and 24 podium finishes across multiple classes.
“I fondly recall riding the Aprilia 660 in a few rounds of the Twins Cup and look forward to riding its big brother. I have always loved Aprilia and already feel part of the Aprilia family. A few years ago, I was at the VR46 Supercamp in Tavullia with Marco Bezzecchi, and I am excited to be on the same brand,” said Ventura.
Brandon Cole, owner of Powersport Supply, will serve as Cory’s crew chief. With extensive MotoAmerica experience, Cole is eager to help Cory maximize both his potential and the performance of the Aprilia RSV4 1100. “The opportunity to work with a gifted rider like Cory is exciting, and the team has a great dynamic,” said Cole.
Carl Price, MD, owner of Plastic Surgery Racing, will act as team principal, continuing his
long-standing support of talented riders. “Riders who have the whole package like Cory are rare. He is a talented rider, has a great work ethic, and strong motivation. He is just a great person,” stated Price.
This project would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors Infinity Fall Protection, Imperial Sportbikes, Aprilia Americas, and Piaggio Group Americas. Technical partners include Thermosman Suspension, Öhlins Suspension, Dunlop Tires , SC Projects, Vesrah, KD Designs, Blud Lubricants, Arai Helmets, Brembo and REV’IT! TAILORTECH leathers.
The WorldWCR 2025 grid gathered at Cremona for a two-day test ahead of their season opener at Assen on April 11-13.
Today’s track time was divided into a 10-minute Warm-Up and four 20-minute Free Practice sessions.
Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) set the fastest time on Day 1 with a 1’40.545s in FP4. 2024 runner-up Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing Team) finished second, 0.205s behind Neila, followed by her new teammate Roberta Ponziani.
Pakita Ruiz (PR46+1 Racing Team), Astrid Madrigal (Pons Italika Racing FIMLA), and Sara Sanchez (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team) also featured in the top three across different Free Practice sessions. Natalia Rivera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team) concluded Day 1 as the fastest rookie, while Carl Cox Motorsports’ duo Avalon Lewis and Billee Fuller showcased their strength.
(Editors note: Americans Mallory Dobbs and Sonya Lloyd were 20th and 23.)
Like the other classes, the Talent Cup doesn't run at every MotoAmerica event. Here, Julian Correa (40) leads Rossi Garcia (30), Derek Sanchez (23) and Ella Dreher (22) in Talent Cup Race 1 at COTA. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Not all classes run at every 2025 MotoAmerica event. This chart shows which classes are racing at each MotoAmerica event, with numbers indicating how many races each class runs at each event.
Crowd at Circuit Bugatti in Le Mans, France. Photo courtesy MotoGP.com.
The record-breaking crowds will welcome MotoGP for another five Grands Prix.
Le Mans set a new all-time attendance record for MotoGP in 2023 and then broke it again last year. Now, the unbelievable crowds at the French Grand Prix can look forward to another five editions guaranteed, with the event confirmed on the calendar until 2031.
The fans make the French GP a true spectacle every year as they flock to enjoy a weekend packed full of entertainment – even beyond the track action for the most exciting sport on Earth. From dawn till dusk, Le Mans has something happening to entertain every fan, from everywhere, as the organisers set a standard that continues to prove a benchmark.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports: “France already has an incredible legacy in motorsport, and we’re proud that our French Grand Prix has added to that at the same time as attracting a huge new wave of fans to the event, area and to the sport itself. We are the biggest sporting event in France and the grandstands reflect our growing and diverse audience, showcasing exactly what we want to see around the world as the sport continues to grow exponentially. France is a vital market for us and working with PHA Claude Michy, we couldn’t ask for more.”
Claude Michy, PHA Claude Michy: “The privilege is having met many years ago, Carmelo Ezpeleta, the CEO of Dorna, who has always placed his trust in me. I have great respect for him and deep gratitude because he has managed to evolve MotoGP and turn it into this incredible show.”Our promoter contract expires in 2026, and I am delighted, honoured, and proud to announce that it will be extended until 2031.”
MotoAmerica Superbike stars Jake Gagne (left) and Bobby Fong. Yamaha photo.
Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing Primed for 2025 MotoAmerica Superbike Title Fight
Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne and Bobby Fong are eager to launch their 2025 MotoAmerica Superbike title campaigns this weekend in Alabama
Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing is eager to get the 2025 MotoAmerica Superbike season started this weekend at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, Alabama. The championship-winning program looks to launch its campaign for a fifth title with returning three-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne and new addition Bobby Fong.
Jake Gagne in action. Yamaha photo.
Entering his sixth season with the team, Gagne is fired up for the 2025 season and looks to reclaim the crown. The Colorado rider has enjoyed a lot of success aboard the YZF-R1 during his tenure, including three successive titles (2021-2023) and an impressive 41 race victories. Gagne now sets his sights on 2025 and looks to add more wins to his record this weekend at the opening round in Alabama.
Bobby Fong (50) on his new 2025 ride. Yamaha photo.
New to the Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing team for 2025, Fong is eager to get the season started. The 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion has five MotoAmerica Superbike wins to his resume and finished third overall last season with two wins and a total of eight podiums. After a productive off-season with his new team, Fong looks to battle for top honors and kick off his title run this weekend at Barber Motorsports Park.
Richard Stanboli – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing Team Manager
“After a long winter break, we’re excited to get back to racing and visit our fans at Barber Motorsports Park. We made some good progress with our Yamaha R1s during off-season testing, and the team is eager to show their capability. Jake is in a good place and ready to win. Bobby has been fast at every test and is living up to expectations. It will be an exciting season of racing.”
Jake Gagne – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing #32
“I’m excited to get 2025 rolling! Last year was definitely tough, but the team and I are ready to get back in the fight. We’ve had some good testing this off-season and starting the year off at Barber will be cool as the R1 has always loved that track.”
Bobby Fong – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing #50
“I’m excited to get the season kicked off. I feel like we made some steps on the Yamaha R1 and I look forward to bringing the fight this weekend at Barber.”
About Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars [sold, serviced, and distributed by Yamaha Golf-Car Company], Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.
YMUS has a corporate office in California, three corporate offices in Georgia, as well as facilities in Wisconsin, Alabama, and Florida. YMUS subsidiaries Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America (YMMC), based in Georgia, and Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing U.S.A. (YJBM) based in Tennessee, each assemble and manufacture selected Yamaha brand products. YMUS owns Skeeter Boats [Texas] with its division G3 Boats [Missouri]. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc. (YMSC) with subsidiary Siren Marine [Rhode Island] and divisions Bennett Marine [Florida], Yamaha Marine Rotational Molders [Wisconsin] and Yamaha Precision Propeller Inc. [Indiana].
Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, USA, dba Yamaha Financial Services, is an affiliate of Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA offering financing solutions to support Yamaha Dealers and loyal Yamaha Customers nationwide.
Honda is getting serious in MotoAmerica, backing two teams. Honda photo.
Honda Ramps Up Participation in MotoAmerica
CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP to be campaigned in three classes
Real Steel leading Honda’s U.S. road racing effort
Jones Honda also fielding a serious road racing program
Ahead of MotoAmerica’s opening 2025 Superbike round in Birmingham, Alabama, this weekend, American Honda today announced their expanded involvement in the top U.S. road racing series. The program is headlined by a trio of racers aboard Honda’s flagship CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, competing in three classes: the premier Superbike division, the production-based Stock 1000 category, and the Superbike Cup (a class within the Superbike class, for Stock 1000 racers who wish to campaign their bikes in that division).
Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP 2. Honda photo.
Leading the charge is the Real Steel Honda Racing team, which features direct backing from American Honda, along with additional support from Chattanooga, Tennessee, dealership Southern Honda Powersports. Jerry Nickell is the Team Principal, with Mark Junge serving as Technical Director and Robbie Petersen in the Team Coordinator role.
The squad earned last year’s Stock 1000 title at the hands of Hayden Gillim, who this year will campaign the Fireblade in the Superbike division. A 30-year-old native of Owensboro, Kentucky, Gillim is a racing veteran, having won his first Amateur Dirt Track Grand Championship at age 6. A cousin of the famous racing Hayden brothers (who he is named after), Gillim typically runs number 69 as an homage to the late Nicky Hayden. He also has past accomplishments with other brands, including the 2023 Stock 1000 and King of the Baggers crowns.
Honda’s 2025 MotoAmerica program includes direct support for Real Steel Honda Racing with riders Hayden Gillim (left) and JD Beach (right). Honda photo.
In addition, Real Steel will field JD Beach in Stock 1000 and the Superbike Cup. Another veteran racer (he is 33) with experience in both dirt track and road racing, Beach has titles including the 2008 Red Bull Rookies Cup, the 2010 AMA Pro Supersport East crown and two MotoAmerica Supersport Championships (2015 and 2018). Although he was born in Washington State, Beach grew up with the Hayden and Gillim families in Kentucky.
“A couple years ago, Jerry and Hayden had the vision of creating a national-level Superbike team, and Honda was in their sights,” Petersen said. “They really made a statement last year, and they’ve established a relationship with Southern Powersports and American Honda. We’re very proud to be in a position where the team is welcoming Honda back into Superbike. Expectations in Superbike are a bit of a building process; it’s a big step up, but we’ve got realistic goals. I think we’re going to be on the podium sooner than some might expect, as the bike has a huge amount of potential.”
Also of note is the private Jones Honda squad, which operates out of the Columbia, Missouri, dealership of the same name. The team is again supporting Georgia-native Ashton Yates, who earned the 2024 Superbike Cup crown aboard a CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. The son of former factory AMA Superbike racer Aaron Yates (who is the team’s lead mechanic), Ashton will campaign both Superbike and Stock 1000. Darrel Jones is the Team Principal, John Blike is the Team Coordinator and Cameron Jones heads up data management. CJR Performance handles dyno tuning and electronics, and backing comes from American Honda, Progressive and Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals.
“Last year, we were using the same bike for both classes, and it was amazing how well that Honda held up,” said Cameron Jones, who is a former MotoAmerica racer himself. “We ran the same clutch all year, and we never had a mechanical; that’s really what wins championships—getting points and staying on top of the box. This year we’re using two bikes, including a semi-stock bike in Superbike. We’d be ecstatic to get into the top five or six in that class, and for Stock 1000, the goal is to bring home the championship.”
The Jones Honda project is an example of what is possible with Honda’s generous MotoAmerica offering in the 2025 Red Rider Rewards contingency program. Available to riders of various Honda powersports models, the program offers a total of $1,425,500 in MotoAmerica alone, from $25,000 for a Superbike-class race win, to $50 for a third-place finish in a Mini Cup Stock 50 regional race.
“Honda has a proud heritage in U.S. road racing, so it’s exciting to be stepping up our representation in MotoAmerica for 2025,” said Brandon Wilson, Manager of Racing and Advertising at American Honda. “The Real Steel Honda Racing and Jones Honda teams are both very solid efforts headed by great people, and they’ve signed some talented riders. We’re looking forward to them showing what the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is capable of.”
The Real Steel and Jones Honda teams are also both fielding efforts in MotoAmerica’s Talent Cup, the first round of which was held this past weekend in conjunction with the U.S. MotoGP stop in Austin, Texas. Intended to develop up-and-comers for eventual international-level racing, the division features young riders competing aboard Kramer motorcycles tuned by different teams. Real Steel is campaigning the class with 14-year-old Ian Fraley, while Jones Honda is entering 16-year old Julian Correa. In the two races at the opening doubleheader, Fraley and Correa posted results of 13-14 and 5-4, respectively.
Following this coming weekend’s race at Barber Motorsports Park, MotoAmerica goes on to visit eight more circuits before concluding at New Jersey Motorsports Park on September 28.
About American Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and Side-by-Sides in the United States. American Honda’s Power Sports & Products Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.
Sonya Lloyd (right) with Alex Rins and Mia Rushten (left) during the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas. Photo courtesy WorldWCR.
Cremona Circuit test offers first look at WorldWCR class of 2025
The 2025 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship kicks off preparations for another thrilling year as all 24 riders head to Italy’s Cremona Circuit for a two-day test on April 3rd and 4th.
With multiple practice sessions scheduled and ample time to work on bike setups, this will be the riders’ first opportunity to gauge themselves against their rivals before the action officially begins at Assen next weekend. Returning stars will be joined by eager rookies, all keen to set an early benchmark for the season ahead aboard their Yamaha R7 machines.
Sonya Lloyd with Moto2 talents Izan Guevara and Tony Arbolino from BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha. Photo courtesy WorldWCR.
Sonya Lloyd gets a taste of MotoGP
American motorcycle racer Sonya Lloyd enjoyed an inspiring visit to the MotoGP paddock at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, just days ahead of her participation in the official WorldWCR pre-season test at Cremona Circuit in Italy.
The 22-year-old rider, preparing for her full-season debut in WorldWCR with Team Trasimeno, attended the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas accompanied by Mia Rushten, who competed in the inaugural 2024 season of WorldWCR before her campaign was curtailed by injury. The pair had the opportunity to meet MotoGP stars including Yamaha riders Jack Miller and Alex Rins, as well as Moto2 talents Izan Guevara and Tony Arbolino from BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha.
“MotoGP was a fantastic experience,” Lloyd said. “Meeting riders like Jack Miller and Alex Rins was incredible. Alex even took Mia and me into the Yamaha garage to show us the bikes without their bodywork, explaining all the complexities involved. It was truly inspiring.”
Following her wildcard appearance at the 2024 WorldWCR finale in Jerez, Lloyd secured a full-season ride for 2025 aboard a Yamaha YZF-R7. Her teammate for the season will be South Africa’s Jessica Howden.
Meeting international MotoGP media in Austin, Lloyd discussed her preparations and expectations for her rookie season:
“European racing is different: new circuits, different tyres, more lean angle,” she explained. “I’ve been training hard with the Yamaha R7 back home, adapting to Pirelli tyres and the riding style I’ll need this season. I’m aiming for consistent top-15 finishes, and by the end of the year, pushing into top-10 lap times.”
Reflecting on the significance of WorldWCR, Lloyd emphasised its importance as a stepping stone: “The Women’s Championship is fantastic for launching careers. Eventually, the goal is to earn opportunities in WorldSSP or WorldSBK. It’s a strong starting point, but not the final destination.”
Lloyd and her fellow competitors will have their first official chance to fully acclimatise to their 2025 machinery during the Cremona Circuit test this week, before the championship begins with the Pirelli Dutch Round at Assen next week.
WorldSBK stars lend a hand with 2025 bike allocation
WorldSBK riders attending the Pirelli Portuguese Round in Portimao assisted in the draw to allocate Yamaha R7 bikes to WorldWCR riders for the 2025 season. The draw took place in front of the Portuguese crowd on Saturday evening during the Paddock Show “Supershow,” which traditionally gathers riders from all three classes following Race 1.
Bike
Chassis
#
Rider
Team
1
x542
64
Sara Sanchez
Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha
2
x537
4
Emily Bondi
ZELOS Trasimeno
3
x541
96
Roberta Ponziani
Klint Forward Racing Team
4
x543
32
Sonya Lloyd
Team Trasimeno
5
x093
33
Chun Mei Liu
WT Team Taiwan
6
x094
99
Isis Carreno
Pons Italika Racing FIMLA
7
x096
14
Mallory Dobbs
Diva Racing
8
x097
94
Beatrice Barbera
Team GP3 AD11
9
x098
20
Natalia Rivera
Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha
10
x100
6
Maria Herrera
Klint Forward Racing Team
11
x101
15
Chloe Jones
GR Motosport
12
x335
16
Lucy Michel
TSL-Racing
13
x105
28
Ornella Ongaro
511 Riders Experience
14
x243
22
Madalena Simoes
FB Racing Team
15
x408
36
Beatriz Neila
Ampito Crescent Yamaha
16
x092
8
Tayla Relph
Full Throttle Racing
17
x245
21
Avalon Lewis
Carl Cox Motorsports
18
x546
83
Astrid Madrigal
Pons Italika Racing FIMLA
19
x551
29
Billee Fuller
Carl Cox Motorsports
20
x618
17
Lucie Boudesseul
GMT94-YAMAHA
21
x552
19
Adela Ourednickova
Dafitmotoracing
22
x099
46
Pakita Ruiz
PR46+1 Racing Team
23
x336
52
Jessica Howden
Team Trasimeno
24
x345
76
Jamie Hanks-Elliott
Hanks Racing
About WorldWCR
The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR) is a groundbreaking single-make series exclusively for aspiring female riders, featuring the Yamaha R7. Building on the success of its inaugural season in 2024, which saw Ana Carrasco crowned, the series aims to continue advancing women’s motorsport by fostering new talent and showcasing competitive racing on a global stage.
With six rounds scheduled for 2025, the WorldWCR offers emerging talent an equal platform to showcase their skills alongside the world’s best riders. By addressing disparities and breaking down barriers, the series empowers women to reach new heights in professional racing. As a dedicated space for female riders, WorldWCR celebrates skill, passion, and diversity. It inspires the next generation of female racers while shaping a more inclusive motorsport landscape.
The 2025 WorldWCR calendar at a glance
1. Dutch Round, TT Circuit Assen – 11-13 April
2. Acerbis Italian Round, Cremona Circuit, 2-4 May
3. Prosecco DOC UK Round, Donington Park, 11-13 July
4. Hungarian Round, Balaton Park Circuit* – 25-27 July
5. French Round, Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, 5-7 September
6. Spanish Round, Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto – 17-19 October
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