WorldWCR gets underway: Special guests in Austin, testing, and a super draw

The 22-year-old rider, preparing for her full-season debut in WorldWCR with Team Trasimeno, attended the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas accompanied by Mia Rushten, who competed in the inaugural 2024 season of WorldWCR before her campaign was curtailed by injury. The pair had the opportunity to meet MotoGP stars including Yamaha riders Jack Miller and Alex Rins, as well as Moto2 talents Izan Guevara and Tony Arbolino from BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha.

“MotoGP was a fantastic experience,” Lloyd said. “Meeting riders like Jack Miller and Alex Rins was incredible. Alex even took Mia and me into the Yamaha garage to show us the bikes without their bodywork, explaining all the complexities involved. It was truly inspiring.”

Following her wildcard appearance at the 2024 WorldWCR finale in Jerez, Lloyd secured a full-season ride for 2025 aboard a Yamaha YZF-R7. Her teammate for the season will be South Africa’s Jessica Howden.

Meeting international MotoGP media in Austin, Lloyd discussed her preparations and expectations for her rookie season:

“European racing is different: new circuits, different tyres, more lean angle,” she explained. “I’ve been training hard with the Yamaha R7 back home, adapting to Pirelli tyres and the riding style I’ll need this season. I’m aiming for consistent top-15 finishes, and by the end of the year, pushing into top-10 lap times.”

Reflecting on the significance of WorldWCR, Lloyd emphasised its importance as a stepping stone: “The Women’s Championship is fantastic for launching careers. Eventually, the goal is to earn opportunities in WorldSSP or WorldSBK. It’s a strong starting point, but not the final destination.”

Lloyd and her fellow competitors will have their first official chance to fully acclimatise to their 2025 machinery during the Cremona Circuit test this week, before the championship begins with the Pirelli Dutch Round at Assen next week.

WorldSBK riders attending last weekend’s Pirelli Portuguese Round in Portimao assisted in the draw to allocate Yamaha R7 bikes to WorldWCR riders for the 2025 season. The draw took place in front of the Portuguese crowd on Saturday evening during the Paddock Show “Supershow,” which traditionally gathers riders from all three classes following Race 1.