P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ryan Vickers says his adaptation to the WorldSBK Ducati is “taking a bit longer” than he expected.
Ryan Vickers, the British rider who debuted in World Superbike in 2025 with the Ducati Panigale V4 R WorldSBK machine, warned that it could be the worst bike to ride if not done correctly. Vickers, previously with Yamaha in BSB, faced challenges in adapting to the new bike and its advanced electronics.
He admitted to underestimating the time needed to adjust to the Ducati and its complex electronic settings, which are corner-specific in WorldSBK compared to more basic settings in BSB.
Vickers emphasized that riding the WorldSBK bike required a high level of precision, with the electronics being sensitive to rider inputs – any deviation from the optimal technique could result in subpar performance.
Despite the steep learning curve, Vickers highlighted improvements made at Misano and noted the fierce competition in the championship, with lap times significantly faster than before and a highly competitive field.
He expressed confidence in the team’s progress and gradual narrowing of the gap to the front runners, indicating ongoing development and efforts to translate improvements into tangible results on the track.
