Present Motocorsa Ducati WorldSBK rider Ryan Vickers will return to BSB in 2026 with Honda Racing UK.
Vickers’ departure from the Motocorsa staff on the finish of the 2025 World Superbike Championship was confirmed over the weekend.
The British rider has a robust previous in BSB, and was a seven-time winner in his earlier marketing campaign, 2024, when he was teammates at OMG Yamaha with eventual champion Kyle Ryde.
Vickers will exchange Andrew Irwin within the Honda Racing UK staff, the Northern Irish rider departing the official Honda BSB staff after a three-year second stint that has included 5 podiums – together with three this 12 months – however which has additionally been marred by harm.
“I’m extraordinarily proud and privileged to be becoming a member of Honda Racing at a vital time in
my profession and likewise within the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP’s growth,” stated Ryan Vickers on the announcement of his signature with Honda.
“I’m actually excited as we set out on this mission with clear objectives, and to be becoming a member of a staff with such expertise and information. I do know we will obtain nice issues collectively.”
Honda Racing UK Workforce Principal Neil Fletcher added: “Ryan brings a brand new dimension to Honda Racing for 2026, and we’re all delighted to see him be part of the staff and to proceed the upward trajectory that his BSB profession was taking in 2024.
“His skills have remained apparent to all, and expertise gained within the World Championship has confirmed to be the making of a number of riders within the BSB paddock. We’re all trying ahead to penning this new chapter collectively.”
Irwin “unfortunate” in second Honda stint
Andrew Irwin rejoined the Honda Racing UK staff – after being a three-time winner in 2020 throughout his earlier stint with the staff – for the 2023 season however suffered a fractured humerus at Knockhill which derailed his marketing campaign that 12 months.
2024 noticed Irwin on the rostrum at Knockhill and Manufacturers Hatch, though he admitted himself that it was not the season he had hoped for.
2025 has seen three podiums for Irwin, however they got here earlier than one other harm on the September Donington spherical which has seen him get replaced by British Supersport common and Honda’s main highway racing expertise, Dean Harrison, for the final two rounds of the season at Oulton Park and Manufacturers Hatch.
“My second time period with Honda Racing UK involves an finish after three years,” Irwin mirrored.
“I feel we’ve been fairly unfortunate with some large accidents, however in all I’ve loved it, and we’ve achieved some good successes.
“Honda have all the time given me a incredible package deal and a incredible staff round me, and none of it could have been attainable with out the entire staff, not simply the precise race staff however all of the workers in Louth and everybody who performs their half within the background. Most of all to my crew chief, Spider, who has all the time had my again.
“I’m trying ahead to what comes subsequent for Andrew Irwin, however I’m equally excited to see what comes subsequent for Honda Racing. I’ll all the time be a fan and maintain them near my coronary heart.”
Neil Fletcher stated that the change in rider from Irwin to Vickers is part of a “new strategy” to Honda Racing UK.
“Andrew [Irwin] has been a valued staff participant throughout the operation at Louth and an necessary member of the household at Honda Racing for 5 seasons,” Fletcher stated.
“As we take a brand new strategy to many points of the Honda Racing squad for the 2026 BSB season, we’ve agreed to half firm, and thank him for his monumental contribution each on and off the observe over 5 seasons with the staff.
“Collectively, we achieved a number of wins and podiums on numerous iterations of Fireblade. His professionalism and dedication to his racing is a testomony to his character.
“I do know that Andrew will pursue new alternatives and we’re positive that he shall be again battling on the high of the order.
“We look ahead to establishing a pleasant rivalry as quickly as attainable.”
