Ryan Vickers returns to British Superbikes with Honda in 2026

Heading into Estoril in World Superbikes, it was announced by Motocorsa Racing that Ryan Vickers would be leaving the Ducati team. The team manager – Lorenzo Mauri – spoke to WorldSBK about the decision ahead of the weekend saying that Vickers was on a “1+1 contract” and cited financial reasons as to why the spilt was happening now ahead of schedule.

Vickers spoke to the press at Estoril last weekend and told us that the talks with the team had been going on for a while however challenged what Mauri said previously saying that: “We had a two year contract plus one, it wasn’t a 1+1 contract, it was a two year contract plus one, so it was potentially three years. We agreed to do what we were going to do, and we were able to commit to that for the duration of the full length of the contract and unfortunately these circumstances have changed for the team.” 

Vickers spoke more about the rumours swirling around his seat in the championship: “There was obviously a rumour that somebody was coming in with a lot of money and that instantly rose a termination agreement which we were forced to sign because we wasn’t able to achieve the request that was made. So yeah, I was a little bit shocked with the press release and how it was worded, it wasn’t 100% correct in my opinion and the team have been happy with the performance. I don’t know from the team boss’ side or point of view but from the crew’s inside the garage that I work with every weekend, they’ve been really happy, they’ve seen a lot of improvements and you know they’re really disappointed that I’m not able to do the second year because they know that we would’ve had a big step.”

Credit: Dorna WorldSBK

Vickers told us how they were able to do this despite the contract being two plus one: “There’s certain clauses within a contract like if it’s detrimental to the team actually continuing, then they can look at this from a sponsor point of view, which I think there has been, it’s not been completely honest from what I’ve been told. What I got told was that they needed to replace me because there was a sponsor coming into the team that requested a particular rider and now that rider is not available because it’s all fell to pieces last minute, now they’re saying on the press release they want to find a rider that can finish in the top 10, so actually it’s definitely against the contract, they shouldn’t be able to do that.

“There’s obviously some performance things in contracts and all that, but actually I don’t know the expectation of the team, there was no expectation of the team. They wanted me to learn the circuits, they wanted me to finish the races, we’ve finished all the races bar two, which is good, and we’ve had a few good results along the way. That was the only expectation. […] I feel like I’ve fulfilled that. So, it’s frustrating but I’m happy with the situation going forward.”

Credit: Honda Racing UK

After a commendable first season in WorldSBK, Vickers has racked up 40 points and had a career best finish of seventh at Balaton Park. Vickers revealed this morning that he will be making the move back into British Superbikes and joining Honda Racing UK replacing Andrew Irwin. Vickers said: “I’m extremely proud and privileged to be joining Honda Racing at a very important time in my career and also in the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP’s development. I am really excited as we set out on this project with clear goals, and to be joining a team with such experience and knowledge. I know we will be able to achieve great things together.”

Honda Racing’s Team Principal Neil Fletcher said: “Ryan brings a new dimension to Honda Racing for 2026, and we are all delighted to see him join the team and to continue the upward trajectory that his BSB career was taking in 2024. His talents have remained obvious to all, and experience gained in the World championship has proven to be the making of several riders in the BSB paddock. We are all looking forward to writing this new chapter together.”