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Rafaela Peixoto is a Portuguese motorcycle racer who’s made her mark competing in both her national championship and the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship, proving she can hold her own against the boys and the world’s best female riders.

EARLY YEARS

Born July 23, 2005, in Mérida, Peixoto grew up with speed in her veins and a hunger to compete. At just 15 years old, she caught the attention of Rame Moto Racing, who signed her in 2021 to share the garage with Tomás Alonso, the national Supersport 300 champion. Not a bad introduction to serious racing—most teenagers are still figuring out their homework schedule, and Rafaela was already sharing pit space with a national champ.

OTHER INTERESTS

Information about her interests outside of racing isn’t readily available, but given the commitment required to compete at national and international levels while still a teenager, it’s safe to say her social calendar probably revolves around racetracks, tire compounds, and telemetry data.

EARLY SUCCESS

Peixoto cut her teeth in Portugal’s Campeonato Nacional de Velocidade (CNV), where she regularly competed against predominantly male fields. Racing in the Supersport 300 class, she became known as one of the few female riders consistently finishing races—and finishing them well. At the CNV round at Estoril, she was the only female rider to complete the race, crossing the line 14th overall. She also earned podium finishes in the Portuguese national series, proving she wasn’t just participating—she was competing. Her performances caught enough eyes that she earned wildcard entries into the world championship, a significant step up for any young racer.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2021: Signed with Rame Moto Racing at age 15 to compete in the Portuguese national championship alongside national Supersport 300 champion Tomás Alonso[1].
• 2024: Competed as a wildcard entry in the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR) at Estoril, Portugal, qualifying 23rd riding for Team RP27 on a Yamaha YZF-R7[2][3].
• 2024: Competed in two WorldWCR races during the season, gaining international championship experience[4].
• 2024: Finished 14th at CNV Estoril round as the only female rider to complete the race[5].
• Earned multiple podium finishes in the Portuguese national series[6].

INSPIRATIONS

No specific information is available about Peixoto’s racing inspirations or mentors, though her willingness to race against men in national competition and then step up to the international women’s championship suggests she’s inspired by the challenge itself.

REPUTATION

In Portugal, Peixoto has built a reputation as a determined competitor who doesn’t back down from male-dominated grids. She’s respected for her consistency and her ability to finish races in competitive positions. At the WorldWCR round at Estoril, she was celebrated as a home hero, giving Portuguese fans someone to cheer for on the international stage. Her youth—still a teenager when competing at world championship level—adds to her reputation as a rising talent worth watching. Racing under Team RP27, she’s established herself as someone willing to take risks and step up when opportunities arise.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Specific future plans for 2025 and beyond aren’t publicly documented, though her trajectory suggests continued development in both national and potentially international competition. Having gotten a taste of WorldWCR racing in 2024, a full-season campaign at that level would be a logical next step—if the opportunity and funding align.

REFERENCES

[1] Rafaela Peixoto é a nova piloto da Rame Moto Racing – Andar de Moto
[2] WorldWCR leader Carrasco sends out a signal on Friday at Estoril – Superbike News
[3] Estoril WorldSBK/SSP/WCR Friday Times – Quotes – Notes – Images – MCNews
[4] Rafaela Peixoto – WorldSBK
[5] ESTORIL CNV#3 – The start of the second phase of the season – Circuito Estoril
[6] WorldWCR match point #1 for Carrasco at Estoril, Herrera aims to retake Championship lead – WorldSBK