Dunlop joins forces with PBM Ducati for 2020

Michael Dunlop is set to compete for Paul Bird Motorsport Ducati at the 2020 Isle of Man TT and North West 200 Superbike races.

With Dunlop weighing up his options in the Superbike class this winter, having already confirmed he will run his own Supersport and Superstock entries, the Northern Irish rider has duly opted to team up with PBM to race a works-backed Ducati V4 R Panigale.

The deal covers both the Isle of Man TT and North West 200 events, while fellow PBM rider Josh Brookes is rumoured to be joining Dunlop in a two-rider line-up for the Northern Irish international road racing event.

Having announced the deal on his social media channels, Dunlop says the deal became his best option after considering his situation over the last week and is relishing the fresh challenge.

“[I] must say [I am] really excited with the new challenge,” Dunlop wrote on Facebook. “Over the last while [I] 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 [sic]. 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.

“I didn’t come this far, to only come this far. Nothing to lose now.”

The 19-time TT winner is joining up with PBM Ducati to test the V4 R at Jerez this Sunday at the official Bennetts British Superbike championship pre-season test.