Ryan Vickers says he’s a “higher rider” in 2026 after spending a season in WorldSBK final yr.
Vickers was with the OMG Yamaha group in 2024, his final BSB season earlier than transferring to World Superbike, and was already the third-most received rider. He received seven races that yr, one win over Glenn Irwin and two wins over then-teammate and 2024 champion Kyle Ryde, regardless of a mid-season damage that prevented him from finishing six races in a row between the Donington and Knockhill rounds.
Vickers’ efficiency in 2024 earned him a spot within the 2025 Superbike World Championship. Initially, he had a two-year contract with Motocorsa, however the contract ended on the finish of final season and Vickers has returned to BSB, which he believes is at the next stage than when he left the collection two years in the past.
Ryan Vickers advised Crash.internet on the Donington BSB check on April 4: “The fellows there are tremendous quick as a result of they’re driving at a really excessive stage in World Superbike.”
“I positively got here again a greater rider simply by their information and understanding it and bettering myself as a rider.
“It is nice. I can perceive so much in regards to the group and likewise assist develop their bikes.”
Vickers returns to Honda Racing UK’s BSB, teaming up with Jason O’Halloran, himself returning to the World Endurance Championship after a yr within the World Endurance Championship with the YART group.
O’Halloran advised Crash.internet after the primary day of Donington testing that discovering enhancements to the brakes with out compromising the bike’s turning means was a precedence.
Nonetheless, Vickers felt that stopping was one among his strengths on the CBR1000RR-R, a minimum of partially on account of his WorldSBK expertise.
“I cease the bike very well,” Vickers stated.
“I discovered so much on World Superbike and that is in all probability my greatest benefit over Jason (O’Halloran) is how gradual to brake and the way arduous to brake.
“I feel he’s simply looking for the boldness to have the ability to do it, however I’m fairly proud of the braking part of the bike.
“In the long run, you are searching for extra edge on the tires and a bit extra drive grip.”
