Present Motocorsa Ducati WorldSBK rider Ryan Vickers will return to BSB from Honda Racing UK in 2026.
It was confirmed over the weekend that Vickers will probably be leaving the Motocorsa group after the 2025 Superbike World Championship.
The British rider has an illustrious previous with BSB, having final gained seven instances in 2024 as teammate of eventual champion Kyle Ryde on OMG Yamaha.
Vickers will be part of the Honda Racing UK group because the successor to Andrew Irwin. The Northern Irish rider will depart the official Honda BSB group after a three-year second stint with 5 podiums (together with three this 12 months), which was additionally marred by harm.
“I’m extraordinarily proud and honored to be becoming a member of Honda Racing at such an vital time for the world.”
My profession and the event of the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP,” mentioned Ryan Vickers upon saying his contract with Honda.
“We launched into this venture with clear objectives and are actually excited to hitch a group with such expertise and data. I’m assured that collectively we are able to obtain nice issues.”
Neil Fletcher, Honda Racing UK Workforce Principal, added: “Ryan brings a brand new dimension to Honda Racing for 2026. We’re all delighted to see him be part of the group and proceed the upward trajectory of his BSB profession in 2024.”
“His expertise is obvious for all to see and the expertise he has gained within the World Championships has confirmed to supply a number of riders within the BSB paddock. We’re all wanting ahead to scripting this new chapter collectively.”
Irwin ‘unfortunate’ in second stint with Honda
After successful three races with the group in 2020, Andrew Irwin returned to the Honda Racing UK group for the 2023 season, however suffered a fractured humerus at Knockhill and his group actions for the 12 months got here to a halt.
In 2024, Irwin completed on the rostrum at Knockhill and Manufacturers Hatch, however admitted it was not the season he had hoped for.
Irwin achieved three podiums in 2025 earlier than struggling one other harm at September’s Donington spherical and was changed by British Supersport common and Honda street racing expertise Dean Harrison for the ultimate two rounds of the season at Oulton Park and Manufacturers Hatch.
“My second time period at Honda Racing UK ends in three years,” Irwin mirrored.
“I believe we have been fairly unfortunate with some huge accidents, however total it was enjoyable and we had some good successes.
“Honda has at all times given me a fantastic bundle and a fantastic group round me. None of this could have been doable with out not solely the precise race group, however all of the workers in Louth and all of the group members enjoying their roles behind the scenes. Above all, due to my crew chief Spider for at all times supporting me.”
“I’m excited to see what’s subsequent for Andrew Irwin, however I’m simply as excited to see what’s subsequent for Honda Racing. I’ll at all times be a fan and hold them near my coronary heart.”
Neil Fletcher mentioned the change of rider from Irwin to Vickers was a part of a “recent method” to Honda Racing UK.
“Andrew (Irwin) has been a priceless group participant in his time at Louth and has been an vital a part of the household for 5 seasons at Honda Racing,” Fletcher mentioned.
“As we undertake a brand new method to many facets of the Honda Racing group for the 2026 BSB season, now we have agreed to go away the group in appreciation of his vital contributions on and off the observe over 5 seasons with the group.”
“Collectively we achieved a number of wins and podiums in numerous variations of the Fireblade. His professionalism and dedication to racing are a testomony to his character.”
“We all know Andrew will pursue new alternatives and are assured he can compete on the high once more.
“We sit up for constructing a pleasant rivalry as quickly as doable.”
