Paola Ramos wins despite long laps: “You need the champion’s mentality”

Paola Ramos ended her first full season in the Women’s World Championship on a high note with a one-two finish at Jerez. Not even a double long-lap penalty for a false start in the first race could stop the Spaniard. On Sunday, she won again and finished the year in third place in the World Championship behind Maria Herrera and Beatriz Neila.

In total, Ramos celebrated four victories: following her wins in the second race at both Portimão and Balaton Park, she won both final races. She had already demonstrated that Jerez suits her particularly well with a strong performance during her one-off appearance there last year.

Just like in 2025: Ramos really strong at Jerez

However, Ramos did not want to claim any immediate home advantage. When asked whether she lived just a few minutes from the circuit, she corrected the impression with a laugh: “No, hours. Many hours. I live twelve hours away from here,” explained the Spaniard. For her, Jerez is a home race primarily because it takes place in Spain.

The circuit layout suits her particularly well. “I think this track suits me and my riding style perfectly. It’s definitely a good track for me,” Ramos noted.

On Saturday, she not only demonstrated her speed there, but also proved that she can overcome a significant setback during the race. Despite the two mandatory detours through the long-lap loop, she won. She therefore didn’t change her basic approach for the second race.

“The plan was the same as yesterday – just without the double long-lap penalty. I wanted to try and build up a lead and win,” explained Ramos.

Outlook for 2027: Will Ramos be fast and consistent?

A World Championship bronze is a strong result for her first full season. For the Spaniard, however, the idea of competing with the established top riders was a given right from the start.

“I think you have to have that mentality – a champion’s mentality. At the start of the season, I’d expected to perhaps be in contention for the title. But I’ve had a lot of bad luck this year. I’ve learnt a great deal, though, and I think these experiences will be important for me next year,” she explained.

Her victories show that Ramos is capable of beating both Herrera and Neila. Over the course of the entire season, however, she has not yet managed to maintain that level of performance consistently. She acknowledges the experience advantage her rivals have over her.

“Of course, I have more experience now than I did at the start of the year. But Maria has a great deal of experience, as does Bea. I’ve learnt something new every day. It’s important to gain more experience,” emphasised the World Championship bronze medallist.

When asked about her undisputed speed, Ramos succinctly summed up the crucial task for the future: “Yes, but consistency is the key,” she said.

This also involves combining her aggressive riding style with more considered race management. Ramos had already spoken about wanting to be more strategic on the track during her guest appearance at Jerez last year. After her first full World Championship season, she still sees no contradiction between this and her attacking riding style.

“As a racing driver, I have to be more aggressive – always. But of course, sometimes I also have to think about how to pace myself during the race. Both are part of it. I’ve learnt that very well this year. Let’s see if my head continues to play along next year,” explained Ramos.