Opinion: What would it mean for BSB if FHO Racing BMW go to World Superbikes?

August 23, 2022 August 23, 2022

Recently rumours have been circulating that FHO Racing BMW may be taking the step to World Superbikes. The team that is owned by Faye Ho debuted in British Superbikes in 2021. FHO Racing BMW are in their second season of BSB racing with Peter Hickman and Ryan Vickers as their riders.

With ambitions of expanding her team to World Superbikes FHO Racing BMW made an appearance in World Superbikes this season. Hickman took on the world stage at Donington Park for the FHO Racing BMW team. The team and rider finished in 22nd, 16th and 19th across the weekend.

Since the wildcard at Donington Faye Ho has admitted to holding discussions with BMW and other manufacturers about a future in World Superbikes.

Peter Hickman onboard the FHO Racing BMW Team at Donington Park in the World Superbike Championship.
Image from worldsbk.com

What would it mean for British Superbikes if FHO Racing BMW left?

Since joining BSB the FHO Racing BMW team have been Showdown regulars. Peter Hickman took the team to fifth place in the Championship last year and this season after 18 races Hickman is ninth in the Championship and Vickers is 16th. With six races to go before the start of the Showdown Hickman can still make his way into contention.

British Superbikes would be losing one of their top teams from the grid if Faye Ho decided to move. Assuming that Faye Ho would take Hickman to WSBK with her, the British Championship would be losing one of their top riders who has raced 372 times in BSB.

The FHO Racing BMW squad have been a real fan favourite in BSB since they arrived on the scene. The FHO Racing Team have the most social media followers on Instagram out of all of the BSB teams. The following of this team would be a big loss for BSB if FHO made the move to WSBK.

BMW have two competitive teams in the BSB Championship, and one is the FHO Racing BMW. If FHO do leave then BMW will be lacking, with their only front runners as Synetiq BMW Motorrad.

World Superbikes would gain from having a British team with such a following like FHO Racing. A team like FHO Racing also appear to have good financial backing so with experience I imagine they would do well in World Superbikes. British Superbikes should try and make sure that FHO Racing stay in BSB even if they expand to World Superbikes.