MARIA HERRERA Claims Assen Pole as PAOLA RAMOS Leads Championship Chase

April 17, 2026

• Reigning champion MARIA HERRERA dominated Assen qualifying with a 1’47.031 lap, securing her second consecutive 2026 pole. The Spaniard led both practice sessions and expects tight battles with BEATRIZ NEILA and PAOLA RAMOS despite the long straight limiting gap-building opportunities.
• Championship leader PAOLA RAMOS qualified third despite never riding Assen previously, closing within eight-tenths of HERRERA’s pole time. The Spanish rookie demonstrated strong pace adaptation and believes she can battle for victory if staying with the leaders early.
• BEATRIZ NEILA secured front-row P2, closing her qualifying gap to just 0.281s from HERRERA after struggling more in practice. The Ampito Crescent Yamaha rider showed consistent fast laps and confidence about running with the champion in race conditions.
• Australian TAYLA RELPH maximized her session to claim fourth, missing the front row by just 0.024s. LUCIE BOUDESSEUL and SARA SANCHEZ rounded out row two, while ROBERTA PONZIANI, PAKITA RUIZ, NATALIA RIVERA, and ASTRID MADRIGAL completed the top ten.

ampito crescent yamaha, assen tt circuit, klint racing team, worldwcr