Michael Dunlop has withdrawn his Ducatis from this week’s North West 200 races. This comes only weeks after he announced a factory Ducati partnership for the superbike and superstock classes.
Dunlop has also suggested he may stick with alternative machinery for the TT as well rather than using Ducatis there.
Dunlop Cites Lack of Preparation Time
Dunlop’s switch to Ducati from the BMW machines he used 12 months ago was not a huge surprise. He had given Ducati its first victories in 20 years in the supersport class last year.
This year is an important one for Ducati as it celebrates the company’s 100th anniversary. The deal marked a substantial leap of faith for Dunlop, considering Ducati has been notably absent from the TT winners’ ranks.
Dunlop said in a statement posted on his social media channels that they hadn’t had enough time just yet to prepare the V4 Panigale machine for the roads.
“With this new full WSBK Ducati V4R version having just arrived to the team at very late notice,” the statement explained, “we feel it is appropriate for the team to continue testing over the coming weeks and develop the bike further.
“We are looking forward to working along with Ducati so we can put the project in a good place and get testing done before we get it to the roads in the future.”
Possible Alternative Machinery for the TT
The news comes as no huge surprise given reports from last weekend’s British Superbike test at Oulton Park, where Dunlop joined the field for additional track time. It also reflects his own past history of late bike switches to ensure that he’s on the most competitive package he can field in his self-run team.
If the decision extends to the TT, it will mark the third time that Dunlop has shown signs of running Ducati machinery at the TT only to change his mind before the race.
In typical Dunlop style, it’s not entirely clear just yet what machinery he’ll run to replace the Ducatis, with both Honda and BMW options at his disposal.
- He’s worked closely with British Superbike team Hawk Racing for many years and its Honda bikes are in the North West 200 paddock.
- Dunlop has also cryptically shared a photo with the BMW superstock bike he used in 2025.
- He also ran the BMW earlier this month at the Cookstown 100 road race.
Todd’s Condition Adds to Uncertainty
Reigning Isle of Man Superbike TT winner Davey Todd has failed his medical for the North West 200.
Davey Todd is at risk of missing this year’s Isle of Man TT races.
Isle of Man TT record holder Michael Dunlop has announced he will compete on Ducati machinery in the superbike class at this year’s event.
The North West 200 practice is set to get underway on Wednesday.