Maria Herrera celebrates too early as WorldWCR title reversed after final lap

Spanish racer Maria Herrera celebrated what she thought was the 2026 WorldWCR title at Donington Park, only for a collision on the final lap to see her awarded a six-second penalty.

Herrera crossed the line thinking she had won the title, which led to celebrations including stopping at the side of the track to put on a world champion’s t-shirt, and picking up a Spanish flag.

However, Herrera was soon penalised for a collision with Paola Ramos on the final lap, when the pair made contact after Herrera ran wide at the Old Hairpin. Last year’s world champion eventually held off Beatriz Neila, and with victory pre-race all that she needed to win the title regardless of other positions, the championship looked all-but secured. 

But just when it looked to be over, that’s when a message was displayed at the bottom of the WorldSBK Live Feed, which said: “6 second penalty for rider #6 M.Herrera due to irresponsible riding causing an incident on the final lap”. 

This dropped Herrera down to second place behind Neila, as she continued her celebration all the way into pit lane. Herrera was quickly informed of the decision, as was Neila, who is Herrera’s title rival.

While the celebrations will no doubt have been a moment to forget for Herrera, she is likely to wrap up the title at the season-finale at Jerez in October. Herrera currently leads Neila by 44 points with just two races remaining. 

Herrera will also want to put Donington behind her as a whole, after the Spanish rider was also penalised in race one for having caused a collision with her title rival at the Schwantz corner. 

That being said, Herrera managed to secure victory in race one despite the incident, before eventually finishing second during Sunday’s controversial race two.

Find the latest motorcycle news on Visordown.com