The year 2024 marks the beginning of a new era in motorsport with the debut of the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship(WorldWCR). This championship represents a historic step toward inclusivity and female representation in motorcycle racing by offering a platform dedicated exclusively to women. With six rounds scheduled, the championship aims not only to attract new female talent, but also to open up new sponsorship opportunities for companies wishing to connect with a female audience.

A Pioneering Championship

The WorldWCR is a one-make series that will see participants compete on identical Yamaha YZF-R7 motorcycles. This format not only ensures fair competition, but also highlights the skills of the riders, eliminating disparities related to technical differences between the vehicles. The series will run concurrently with the European rounds of the Superbike World Championship, providing global exposure through international media coverage.

Schedule and Format of the 2024 WorldWCR Races.

The championship will consist of six rounds, each including a Superpole qualifying session on Friday, followed by two races on the weekend. Here is the calendar for 2024:

• Pirelli Emilia-Romagna Round, Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” – June 14-16
• Prosecco DOC UK Round, Donington Park – July 12-14
• Pirelli Portuguese Round, Autodromo Internacional do Algarve – August 9-11
• Acerbis Italian Round, Cremona Circuit – Sept. 20-22
• Estoril Round, Estoril Circuit – October 11-13
• Prometeon Spanish Round, Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto – October 18-20.

An Opportunity for Women in Motorsport.

The championship is not just a sporting competition, but an initiative that aims to break gender stereotypes in motorsport. The FIM, in cooperation with Dorna WSBK Organization, has worked for years to promote women’s participation in racing, and this championship is the culmination of those efforts. By offering women a stage to compete professionally, the championship hopes to inspire a new generation of female motorcycle enthusiasts.

The group of 24 female riders selected for the first edition of the WorldWCR was chosen from an initial pool of more than 40 candidates. This selection process resulted in a starting grid representing a mix of emerging talent in women’s motorcycling. The participants were chosen to compete in a one-make championship, using Yamaha YZF-R7 motorcycles, which ensures a level playing field for all competitors.

The selection of female pilots took into account several factors, including experience and potential for growth in the racing world. Among the participants are prominent names such as Ana Carrasco, already a world circuit championship winner in the Supersport 300 category, who brings with her considerable experience and visibility to the championship.

This selection process was key to ensuring that the championship not only promoted inclusivity, but also provided a competitive and professional platform for women in motorcycling. The goal is to create an environment in which female riders can develop sustainable and professional careers, contributing to greater female representation in motorcycle racing paddocks.

An Important Lineup

Here is a brief outline of the careers of some of the female pilots participating in the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship 2024:

Ana Carrasco

Ana Carrasco Gabarrón, born in Murcia, Spain, on March 10, 1997, is one of the most celebrated female riders in the world of motorcycle racing. She started racing at the age of three and made her debut in the Moto3 World Championship in 2013. Carrasco became the first woman to win a race in the World Supersport 300 Championship in 2017 and continued to make history in 2018, becoming the first woman to win a world motorcycle circuit championship in the same category.

María Herrera Muñoz

María Herrera Muñoz, born August 26, 1996, in Oropesa, Toledo, Spain, is another outstanding Spanish rider. She was the first woman to win a race in the FIM CEV Repsol, a Spanish motorcycle racing championship, in 2013. She has participated in the Moto3 World Championship and the Supersport 300 World Championship, achieving several notable placings. In 2019, he also participated in the MotoE World Cup, a series of races on electric motorcycles.

Beatriz Neila Santos

Beatriz Neila Santos, born in Madrid, Spain, is a young rider who has already made her mark in women’s motorcycling. She was the first woman to participate in the Red Bull Rookies Cup and the Yamaha VR46 Master Camp. She has won four editions of the Women’s European Championship (WEC), proving her talent and determination. Neila is an example of how women are gaining ground in a world traditionally dominated by men.

These female riders not only compete at the highest level, but are also pioneers in promoting women in motorsports, inspiring a new generation of female motorcycle enthusiasts.

The Importance of Attracting Women to Motorsport.

The inclusion of women in motorsports is not only a matter of equity, but also represents an opportunity to broaden the audience and attract new fans.

According to a survey conducted by Cycle Trader, 7 percent of motorcyclists are women, a figure that shows that the growth potential in this segment is still large. Women start riding motorcycles at a relatively young age, with 35 percent of female riders between the ages of 18 and 34. This indicates a growing passion and interest that can be further cultivated through targeted initiatives and dedicated championships[5].

An Opportunity for Sponsors

The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship is not only a platform for riders, but also represents a unique opportunity for companies interested in sponsoring sporting events. Supporting women’s championships can improve brand image and attract a wider and more diverse audience.

A survey found that 78 percent of people have a more positive opinion of companies that support women in sports, and 62 percent of female consumers are not loyal to a specific brand, paving the way for new marketing and retention opportunities.

Case Study: Successful Sponsorships

An example of success in the world of women’s sports sponsorship is the partnership between the F1 Academy and beauty brand Charlotte Tilbury. This collaboration has shown how brands not traditionally associated with motorsport can benefit from association with women’s sporting events, breaking conventions and opening up new avenues in sports marketing.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite the opportunities, women in motorsport still face significant challenges, including the difficulty of obtaining sponsorship compared to their male counterparts. However, the growing interest in women’s racing and the support of organizations such as the FIM indicate a positive change.

The goal is to create an environment where women can build professional careers in motorcycling, earning a salary as riders and contributing to more equitable representation in the paddocks.

A step forward

The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship represents a crucial step forward for women’s motorsport, promoting inclusivity and providing new opportunities for women two-wheel enthusiasts. For marketing directors and companies, this championship offers an ideal platform to connect with a growing female audience while supporting gender equity in the sport.

With the right support, the championship has the potential to transform the motorsport landscape, inspiring a new generation of drivers and fans.