By Having announced via his Facebook page today, that he will be testing the Buildbase Suzuki Superbike at Cartagena in Spain, it now poses the question is this the indicator to all but showcase Hawk Racing’s retention of the 15 times TT winners services, for TT 2018?
At present Ballymoney’s Dunlop’s only officially confirmed mounts for this season, are his MD Racing PTR prepared CBR 600RR Honda and Superstock S1000RR BMW.
Superbike wise, the situation is not as clear cut, but it should be pointed out that with TT entries for this year closing yesterday, he’s certain to have a clear idea as to what his plans are for the six lap RST Superbike and Pokerstars Senior encounters.
In other words, leaving news this late in terms of his Superbike international roads plans, is a sign that he’s confident about what he will be jockeying at the TT Races, plus the North West 200 and likely as well the MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix.
Photo via Michael Dunlop MD Racing – Facebook page
Alongside the upcoming test at Cartagena, added factors in Hawk Racing’s favour to re sign the consistently touted world’s number 1 road racer, include the fact that it seems a link up with Tyco BMW appears a growing non possibility.
The TAS Racing ran team, appeared in recent times the only other viable option for Mountain Course lap record holder Dunlop, in terms of factory backed Superbike machinery for this season.
So adding the upcoming testing session, lack of options, his great history with the team, positive memories of the GSX-R 1000 from TT 2017 all together, you can’t help but come to the conclusion that an announcement will soon be on the horizon from Buildbase Suzuki in relation to TT 2018.
Words by Stevie Rial
