In Varano, during the Spirit of Challenge event organized by Yamaha, GPOne met with Maria Herrera, one of the leading figures in international women’s motorcycle racing. Straight from an excellent weekend at Misano and a very positive start to the season, the Spanish rider spoke about her current form, her relationship with her new team, and the significance of a championship that is helping to give women an ever-greater presence in racing.
Herrera explained that she feels good thanks, above all, to the team’s work and the sense of calm she’s found in the pit. Her rapport with the team allows her to focus on her job on the track, without distractions. “They work on the bike, and I have to focus on my job,” she said. According to Maria, she took an important step forward at Misano, especially in terms of concentration and the ability to stay in the thick of the battle until the very end.
The race against Beatriz Neila was one of the most important moments of her weekend: a hard-fought, intense battle in which Herrera emphasized that she was able to respond, blow for blow. Whenever her opponent tried to attack, Maria was ready to counter immediately, keeping the race exciting until the very end.
One of the central themes of her interview was the evolution of women’s motorcycle racing. Along with Ana Carrasco, Herrera is one of the leading figures of a generation that has opened new doors for women in the world of motorcycle racing. The rider from Spain recalled how, when she started out, she was almost alone in a completely male-dominated environment. Progress has been made, but the difficulties are still there.
According to Herrera, it’s still even harder for a girl to get a chance on a competitive team, especially in mixed-gender championships. She recalled her experience in the Moto3 World Championship and her competition against riders who have since reached the top of the sport, explaining how it was easier for the guys to find a good team and follow a more straightforward path. “It’s harder for a girl to find a good team,” she explained.
Her move to the MotoE, however, allowed her to prove her level once again. Even in a challenging category, Herrera achieved significant results, coming close to the podium on several occasions. That’s why she considers the Women’s World Championship a crucial step: not a destination, but a useful tool for raising visibility, creating opportunities, and helping the entire movement grow.
The interview also touched on a frequently discussed topic: the physical comparison between women and men in motorcycle racing. Herrera doesn’t deny that a difference exists, but she rejects the idea that performance depends solely on strength. Her answer is clear: technique can make up for a lot. By training with riders like Alvaro Bautista, she’s had the chance to compete at the highest level and understand just how much technical skill can make a difference.
“In flat track and karting, I can be fast even against him,” she explained, while still acknowledging that, on bigger tracks, Bautista’s level is exceptionally high. For Herrera, the point is that a female rider can build her competitiveness through precision, sensitivity, and riding technique. “Physical strength isn’t that important if you work on your technique,” she said.
Looking to the future, Maria makes no secret of her desire to, sooner or later, return to competing regularly against men, because she feels she still has what it takes to do so. But, today, she has another priority: helping the women’s championship grow. Herrera sees this category as a valuable opportunity for the entire sport and hopes that, one day, a woman can make it all the way to the MotoGP.
“It would be incredible. I think we deserve it,” she concluded. For her, the current task is to help build that path, paving the way for those who will come after her.