FHO Racing BMW sign Ryan Vickers for 2022 BSB season

Ryan Vickers will officially make the move from Kawasaki to BMW machinery for the 2022 BSB season after FHO Racing confirmed the signing. 

Vickers replaces ex-WorldSBK rider Xavi Fores who is unlikely to remain in the BSB championship following two difficult seasons in 2019 and most recently 2021.

Vickers, who has spent the last three years competing for the RAF Regular and Reserve Kawasaki team, will line-up alongside Peter Hickman who goes into his second campaign with the team.

Although Vickers remains without a maiden podium in BSB, 2021 was by far his best season to date, and one where he clinched a first pole at Thruxton.   

"I’m extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to ride with FHO Racing BMW. During the 2021 championship, it was clear to see Faye’s dedication and commitment to the team and I am really looking forward to joining them for next season," said Vickers.

"Hicky [Hickman] had an amazing season with FHO Racing this year and it will be a privilege to work alongside him within such a professional environment. 

"Not only am I there to learn, but I’m also there to win and I feel that this is my chance to move forward.

"I have learnt so much in my short time in BSB and I feel this opportunity has come at the perfect time for me to make this next step. 

"The BMW M 1000 RR is a proven race winner in the championship so I can’t wait to test it for the first time. I am now excited about starting work with the team to prepare for the 2022 Championship."

While BMW and its new M 1000 RR package struggled to make waves on the world stage in 2021, the performance in BSB was much stronger as both Hickman and Danny Buchan took wins which will be a positive for Vickers.

Speaking about Vickers’ signing, FHO Racing BMW Team Owner, Faye Ho, added: "I am really happy to welcome Ryan to the team for next season, he is one of the youngest riders on the BSB grid, but already has three full Superbike seasons under his belt and I feel that with the right environment, he can develop into a regular podium contender.  

"I like to be able to give riders the opportunity to prove themselves and I feel that this season he showed his potential on several occasions, but was just a little bit unlucky too that he didn’t get that first career podium finish.

"As a team, we now have a season’s worth of experience with the new BMW M 1000 RR and that combined with Peter’s knowledge and some new input from Ryan should be a fantastic mix."