One of motorcycling’s most famous marques Ducati for the first time in multiple years looks set to have a prominent presence again at the TT Races, courtesy of none other than new all star combination Paul Bird Motorsport and Michael Dunlop.
19 times TT winner Dunlop who has claimed TT triumphs on Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, BMW and Paton machinery is set to pilot this June in the 1000cc TT encounters a V4 R Panigale Ducati similar to Josh Brookes and Christian Iddon’s British Superbike Championship steeds.
Always one to relish new, enterprising challenges, it wouldn’t at all surprise 100’s, 1000’s if come June he puts himself in prime contention to enhance an already golden TT CV.
Photo via Michael Dunlop Twitter page
Speaking this evening via his Facebook racing page about the deal with VisionTrack supported Paul Bird Motorsport, which alongside TT 2020 also includes tackling the North West 200, the iconic Ballymoney racer candidly stated:
“Must say really excited with the new challenge, over the last while hadn’t much of a plan on the go some talks with people but didn’t really know what I should do or if I was going to do much at all.
Then after last weekend I realised a few things and thought shrew it let’s stare it in the face. I’d like to thank all the guys at PBM for all the hard work they are now going through to get the bike built and ready for racing.
Also to Aaron for getting me back going again after all the operations. Long road but he kept at it and to my sponsor for making it happen. #didnt come this far, to only come this far, #nothing to lose now.”
Words by Stevie Rial