Superbike star 'ready' to compete on world stage

After showing promise in the British competition, Ryan Vickers says he dreams of becoming World Superbike champion

Thetford rider Ryan Vickers says that now is the right time in his career to race in the World Superbike Championships.

The 25-year-old will move to Italy and join Motocorsa Racing to compete on the global stage next year.

He leaves behind OMG Yamaha Racing after a competitive season in the British Superbikes, where he hopes for a top-three finish in the riders' standings.

Vickers said: "World Superbikes is where I belong... don't get me wrong, it's not going to be easy, [but] we're ready to start the journey."

An Italian job

Vickers is learning Italian to help communicate with his new team at Motorcorsa Racing

He is already getting used to the idea of life abroad with the new team, Motocorsa.

"I've got Babbel, the language learning app," Vickers said.

"I spent the last week in Italy, it does actually help being there, so the transition should be a lot easier."

While it's unlikely that the Thetford rider will win the British Superbikes this year, he said Motocorsa picked him based on the potential he has shown on the track.

"I've been able to show I can be quite a bit faster and have that little bit extra."

"From a team's point of view in the World Superbikes, they'd rather see that than someone who's only just about getting on the podium."

Unfinished business

Crashes, vehicle problems, injury, and illness have hampered Vickers' title chances in the British Superbike Championships this year

Vickers still has two meetings left to ride in the British Superbikes, sitting sixth in the Riders' standings, but hoping to contribute to a team win.

He leaves Yamaha amicably and wants to leave the team on a high.

"They've done so much for me, and I'd just love to be able to repay them back with some fantastic results."

Vickers' final rides with OMG Yamaha will be at Donington Park this weekend and Brands Hatch to finish the British Superbikes campaign.

Before leaving for Motocorsa, he will be a guest rider with OMG in the World Superbikes at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain on 18-20 October.