Historic turning point: the FIM Women’s World Championship is born
01/11/2023
team
The world of motorcycling is about to experience a historic moment. In 2024, the first FIM Women’s World Championship will take place. This groundbreaking event promises to be an exciting addition to the world of motorcycling, showcasing the talent and commitment of women also in the world of speed.
The championship was presented during the World SBK race weekend at the Angel Nieto Circuit in Jerez de la Frontera. The key details about this new competition were revealed at a press conference.
It will include six rounds and a pre-season test within the context of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. Here is the programme planned for each Round: Superpole on Friday, Race 1 on Saturday and Race 2 on Sunday, offering fans a weekend of pure entertainment and fun.
Yamaha, with the Yamaha YZF-R7 model, will be the sole manufacturer present. In addition, a technical and logistic partner will take care of all technical aspects, ensuring a competitive environment for all female riders.
Riders can register between 13 November 2023 and 31 January 2024. Confirmation of participation by DWO (Dorna WorldSBK Organisation) is expected no later than 15 February 2024. Riders must be at least 18 years old and may decide to race under a team name, adding a personalised touch to the Championship.
The entry fee for riders engaged as a permanent presence is €25,000, including a complete package, such as the use of a Yamaha YZF R7 MY 2023, a GYTR Racing Kit, Pirelli tyres, fuel, race service and access to the Paddock Village.
Among the benefits of racing under the WorldSBK umbrella, the new competition will enjoy global coverage in terms of broadcasting, Pirelli prize money and public relations opportunities, thus ensuring visibility for the riders’ sponsors on a global scale.
“When we started with this project, we thought about many types of formats, many conditions, and in the end we found a solution that we think is feasible. This is a growing project that will develop depending on the feedback from the spectators, the drivers, the manufacturers. From 2020 we started doing two races in all our categories, and this championship will have the same format, qualifying and two races. Next year’s weekend schedule will be tight because we will have a lot of races. But I think it’s good for the motorcycling fans. I would also like to mention all the partners, like Yamaha, who had a positive response when we knocked on their doors. Today is a great day to start a new project.”
Gregorio Lavilla | Executive Director of WorldSBK
“Today is a special day as we present the first FIM Women’s World Championship in Circuit Racing. The FIM launched a project dedicated to women in Circuit Racing ten years ago with the first ever training camp at the circuit in Albacete, Spain. Four more bootcamps followed between 2013 and 2015 in the Czech Republic and Qatar with an average number of twenty-four participants from four continents and twelve countries. In 2014, as part of this project and thanks to the support of Midori Moriwaki, an all-female team took part in the Suzuka 4 Hours that included Shelina Moreda and Melissa Paris also in 2015 with Shelina and Avalon Biddle. Even back then, it was clear that there were fast women who were also claiming their own championship. I’m pretty sure that among the women who will now participate in this new FIM World Championship will be some of those who have previously participated in bootcamps on the FIM circuit where the goal was to bring fast women together and figure out when it would be time to be right to create their own championship. This is now a reality!”
Janika Judeika | Director of the FIM Women in Motorcycle Commission
“I still don’t know if I will be able to participate in the first edition of the world championship. I would certainly love to, but I will have to find the budget first. However, the goal is still to be there, I am working for that. If I don’t manage to participate, I think I will do the European Championship next year. Or, with a view to the world championship the following year, I would do the R7 Cup. It would be a nice opportunity to start riding that bike. Doing another championship with the 300 wouldn’t make much sense.”
Roberta Ponziani – first winner CIV Women’s 2023
This championship represents an important step in promoting female participation in motorsport. We look forward to 2024!
Email to Olga at olga.yarets@worldsbk.com to register your interest.
Great! Your item has been added to the cart!
