Challenges in WorldSBK 2026 Cast Uncertainty Over Ryan Vickers’ Future
Ryan Vickers Faces Uncertain Future in WorldSBK Despite Promising Performance
Vickers’ Impressive Rookie Season Sparks WorldSBK Prowess
Ryan Vickers, a standout British rider, is grappling with an uncertain future in the World Superbike (WorldSBK) Championship, despite what he’s deemed a “great” rookie season. Initially securing a two-year deal with the Motocorsa Ducati team for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, Vickers’ career trajectory has taken an unexpected turn following an impressive 2024 British Superbike Championship (BSB) campaign, during which he clinched victory seven times.
Contract Challenges and Future Prospects
Vickers recently revealed to Emegypt that unforeseen “difficulties” have arisen this season, casting doubt on his tenure with WorldSBK. “There’s been some difficulties and definitely some discussions that have changed things slightly, but things are still up in the air,” Vickers expressed ahead of the 2025 penultimate round in Estoril. Given the situation, exploring alternative options seems inevitable for Vickers, who remains hopeful for a resolution in the coming days.
Ambitions for Continued Success in WorldSBK
Despite the uncertainty, Vickers is determined to remain in WorldSBK for a second season in 2026. “It would be my ambition to continue in World Superbike,” he stated. “I’ve come here for a year, and it would be great to continue. But things are up in the air, and we’ve got to see how things pan out in the next few days.”
Consistent Performance and Championship Potential
Throughout the year, Vickers has demonstrated his capability to compete at the World Championship level, consistently achieving top-10 positions at various circuits. His remarkable performance at Donington, where he battled against seasoned competitors, underscored his potential. “We’ve shown at times this year that we can battle comfortably inside the top-10 at both unfamiliar and familiar tracks – at Donington, we had some really good results,” said Vickers.
The Importance of Experience and Adaptation
Vickers emphasizes the critical advantage of experience in acclimating to the highly competitive WorldSBK environment. “You definitely perform better coming into a second year of World Superbike; you need it, the level is so high, and the bikes are very different from what I was used to, so it takes some adaptation,” he explained. Despite the challenges, Vickers is proud of his achievements in his rookie season, marked by consistency and promise.
The coming days will be crucial in determining Ryan Vickers’ future, as he and his team navigate the complexities of securing his position within the WorldSBK landscape for 2026.
