“The sport is changing, and I’m proud to be part of it" - Yari Montella on breaking barriers in WorldSBK

World Superbike’s Rising Star

Few riders climb the ranks of motorcycle racing with as much determination and resilience as Yari Montella. He isn’t just another name moving through the ranks - he’s a rider whose journey has been defined by both exceptional talent and relentless perseverance. At just 25, the Italian has already built a reputation as a racer who doesn’t back down from a challenge, he’s a rider who thrives in the face of adversity and embraces every opportunity to grow.

Like many of the greats, Montella’s career has been shaped by both triumphs and challenges. As he puts it, "My career has been a mix of ups and downs. There were moments when I felt like the strongest rider on track, and others when I felt terrible. But I’ve always used those moments to improve myself, to understand where I was, learn from my mistakes, and grow."

That mindset propelled him to his breakthrough in 2020, when he dominated the CEV Moto2 European Championship, winning seven of eleven races. It was a season that left no doubt - Montella was destined for bigger things. His transition into the World Supersport Championship saw him battle at the sharp end, cementing his place among the sport’s rising stars.

However, 2025 marks his biggest challenge yet: stepping onto the WorldSBK grid, where he’ll go head-to-head with the world’s best. With a strong debut at Phillip Island, finishing in the top 10 for the Superpole race and Race 2, Montella has already shown he belongs at this level - setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.

For Montella, reaching this level is not just a personal achievement - it’s a collective one. "Taking this step and arriving in WorldSBK after competing in Supersport, where I fought for the championship, means a lot to me," he says. "I want to thank everyone because I’m really proud of the work we’ve done and are still doing." His words reflect not just pride but a deep appreciation for the team behind him. In a sport where individual brilliance often takes centre stage, Montella’s humility and gratitude set him apart.

Shifting the Conversation: Women in the WorldSBK Paddock

That same awareness extends beyond his own journey. As motorsport undergoes a cultural shift toward greater inclusivity, he is acutely aware of the evolving landscape, particularly when it comes to female participation. In a sport long perceived as male-dominated, Montella recognizes both the challenges and the strides being made to welcome more women onto the grid.

It's a topic he speaks about with both optimism and realism. As the conversation shifts to the presence of women in motorcycle racing, Montella acknowledges the sport’s historical gender imbalance but remains hopeful about its evolution.

"Things are starting to become a little easier, with more opportunities available," he notes. "Now, women have a dedicated championship where they can compete and show their potential."

He’s referring to the groundbreaking WorldWCR, the FIM’s first all-female circuit racing world championship. Sharing the paddock with this new initiative, Montella sees its impact firsthand—not just in competition, but in the passion it represents. "I’m super proud to share the paddock with the WorldWCR riders—we all are living off the same passion," he says. "It doesn’t matter if a rider is male or female; the passion for motorsport is the same, and it fuels all of us."

Despite the progress, he remains realistic about the barriers that persist. When asked what keeps fewer women from reaching the top levels, he points to a simple but powerful factor: statistics. "Motorsport has traditionally been a male-dominated sport, and many women didn’t have the attitude or the opportunity to start a career," he explains. Historically, young girls were far less likely to be introduced to motorcycles at an early age, meaning fewer pursued professional racing.

This aligns with broader trends in motorsport. While women have made strides in junior and support categories, no female rider has ever competed full-time in World Superbike’s premier class. Riders like Maria Herrera and Ana Carrasco have broken barriers in World Supersport 300 and World Supersport, but a female rider has yet to secure a permanent seat in WorldSBK itself.

Montella believes the establishment of female championships will help shift this balance, creating more pathways for young girls to enter the sport and develop their skills at the highest level.

The Physicality Debate: Separate Championships or Equal Opportunity?

One of the most debated topics in motorsport is whether physical differences between men and women necessitate separate championships. Montella, like many in the paddock, believes the answer is yes. "The human body functions differently between men and women, and in my opinion, this is the main reason why, as in many other sports, it is necessary to have two separate categories," he states.

The question of physicality has long been a point of contention. Motorcycle racing demands extreme endurance, upper-body strength, and the ability to wrestle a 160kg machine at speeds exceeding 300km/h. While some argue that elite female athletes could compete alongside men given the right training and support, others believe separate championships provide a more level playing field.

Montella, however, emphasizes that having separate championships does not diminish the value of female competitors. "I think the right choice is to have two separate championships, one for women and one for men," he says, adding that the creation of these platforms is a necessary step in elevating female talent.

The Future of Women in Racing: What Comes Next?

With the introduction of the WorldWCR and growing female participation in the sport, Montella is hopeful for what the future holds. "I expect to see a lot more [female racers] in the next few years, maybe with more categories," he suggests. "I’m hoping for a women’s championship for Supersport 600cc, and why not think about a women’s championship for Superbike as well?"

For Montella, this is just the beginning of a larger shift in motorsport—one he’s proud to witness firsthand. "I feel honoured and proud to be living in this era, where things are changing so much."

When asked what can be done to further support women in the sport, Montella’s answer is refreshingly simple: "Keep it normal." His belief is that the best way to integrate women into motorsport is to treat them like any other competitor—neither overcompensating nor diminishing their achievements.

A Message to the Next Generation

For young riders, male or female, who dream of reaching the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, Montella offers a mindset rather than just advice. "You need to have a clear goal and stay completely focused on it," he says. "You must work hard every day to achieve that goal. Reaching the top levels in motorcycle racing isn’t something obvious; a big part of this journey is being prepared and ready to succeed, but also to lose."