World Superbike debut for Thetford rider Vickers

Ryan Vickers will race in Australia for the first time in his career

Thetford's Ryan Vickers will make his World Superbike debut this weekend as the first round of the championship takes place in Phillip Island, Australia.

The 26-year-old joined Motocorsa Racing in October after finishing fifth in the British Superbike Championship in 2024.

"I've been lucky enough to ride the track and do some testing. It's a super-fast track and suits my riding style – so I'm really happy so far," Vickers said.

"What a place to make my debut in World Superbikes."

Thetford to Australia - via Italy

Ryan Vickers began his British Superbike career in 2019 with Lee Hardy Racing

The move to World Superbikes has also meant Vickers has had to leave the family home.

Norfolk has been replaced by an apartment in Italy, to be closer to his Motocorsa base.

"Before this I lived at home with my mum and dad – the same house all my life," he said.

"It happened so fast. At the start of October I didn't know I was moving anywhere – by the end of the month I was moving into my apartment in Italy.

"I've got a great relationship with the team... I've been putting a lot of work in with learning Italian and they've been learning English."

Slow and steady wins the race

While the target for every rider is to become a champion in their class, Vickers is aware that it might take time to compete at the front of the grid.

"There's no expectations - only to progress in whatever way that is. The team want me to learn and absorb things. It's not like by round six I need to be on the podium," he said.

"I'll only be setting targets once we find out where we are. We'll just start the race this weekend and see where we are."