“I realised a few things and thought screw it let’s stare it in the face”
Michael Dunlop has signed a deal with the PBM team to race at the 2020 IOM TT on a Ducati Panigale V4 R in the Superbike and Senior races.
The Paul Bird Motorsport (PBM) announced that the 19-times TT road race winner Michael Dunlop will race the Ducati Panigale V4 R at the 2020 IOM TT in the Superbike and Senior races. Also, the rider will race his bikes in the Supersport and Superstock classes.
“Must say 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 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 screw 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 threw 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,” said Dunlop.
The Ducati Panigale V4 R:
The Italian superbike is a factory supported by the racing division Ducati Corse. In BSB spec (British Superbike Championship), it features a 998cc V4 engine delivering 230 hp and 128.8 Nm of torque. The top speed is 210 mph (338 kph).
Other features include fully adjustable Ohlins NPX fork and TTX36 monoshock while the braking system is provided by Brembo – M4.30 radial callipers on the front and a twin-piston calliper on the rear. The bike’s weight sits at 166kg.
Ducati avoided using their superbikes for road racing due to the geometry of the frame and the V2 configuration of the engines.
Michael Dunlop finished on fourth place at last year’s Tourist Trophy riding a BMW S1000RR for TAS Racing.
So, it’ll be interesting to see what they can do at this year’s IOM TT which will be held between May 30 – June 13.
Bike Specifications (BSB spec):
Year introduced: 2019
Road bike price: £34,995 (€40,562)
Max power: 230 bhp
Max torque: 95 ft-lb (128.8 Nm)
Top speed: 210 mph (338 kph)
Engine size: 998cc
Engine type: V4
Frame type: aluminium front frame
Fuel capacity: 16 litres
Seat height: 830mm
Bike weight: 166kg
Front suspension: fully adjustable 43mm Ohlins NPX
Rear suspension: fully adjustable Ohlins TTX36
Front brake: Brembo M4.30
Rear brake: Brembo twin-piston
Front tyre size: 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size: 200/60 x 17
Fucking Awesome .