Ryan Vickers reveals that he was 'shocked' by how his departure from Motocorsa Racing was announced.
On the opening day of Practice at the Estoril World Superbike Round, it was announced by Motocorsa Racing that Ryan Vickers would depart the team at the end of the season.
The British rider was in his rookie season in the World Superbike Championship, and was 'shocked' by how his departure was handled by the Motocorsa Racing squad.
Vickers always believed he had a two-year deal with the Italian team, whereas the announcement stated he had a '1+1 year contract'.
"Obviously, the announcement came and we have known about it for a little while," Vickers told WorldSBK.com on Friday.
"I was a bit shocked by the way the announcement was made. Because there was no mention that it was a two-year deal, we had a two-year contract, plus one actually, not a one plus one.
"The only reason for the split was due to financial reasons from the team's part; it was nothing to do with performance, and I was never informed of anything like this.
"I feel like we have had a good first year. Some people will say 'but you are outside of the points' and stuff like this, but World Superbikes is at the toughest it has ever been at the moment.
"Some lap times I have done, and race distance times that I have done, would have won races last year. Honestly, the bike has not changed; it is very much the same. Just the riders and tyres have changed a little bit.
"It is a disappointing end to my brief start in World Superbikes. I have enjoyed my time here, and hopefully I have shown enough so we can return sometime in the future."
Vickers is now hopeful that he can remain in the World Superbike Championship. However, he is open to a move back to the British Superbike paddock in 2026, and teased a potential announcement in the coming weeks.
"I want a proper situation wherever I go," he explained.
"I want to be valued in the team, I want to be supported properly so I can achieve the goals that I know I can achieve.
"Whether I have to take a step sideways to take two steps up, I don't know. We will know in the coming days whether or not we can announce what is planned, and I hope it can lead to great things."
