Dunlop joins Tyco BMW for 2018 Isle of Man TT

Michael Dunlop has confirmed his switch to Tyco BMW for the upcoming Isle of Man TT and 2018 road racing season.

The 16-time Isle of Man TT winner confirmed his split from the Hawk Racing-run Suzuki squad earlier this month ahead of today’s announcement switching to the Northern Irish TAS Racing team. Dunlop will contest both the Superbike and Senior TT races on board the team’s BMW S1000RR plus the North West 200 and Ulster GP.

“Tyco BMW and I have spoken many times but nothing ever came of it, but this year everything fell into place,” Dunlop said. “I think it’s a good time for us both to work together and I think both of us can bring something to the table. I’m looking forward to seeing the outcome.”

Tyco BMW team manager Philip Neill is naturally delighted to have secured Dunlop for 2018 and says after years of talks and competing against each other on track it was “a partnership that simply had to happen”.

“It has taken some time for this to come together and I’m very happy to confirm Michael Dunlop and TAS Racing/Tyco BMW will finally work together in 2018,” Neill said. “Michael and I have discussed options to work together on various occasions and I honestly believe this is a partnership that simply had to happen at some point.

“My father and I, together with all the guys at TAS Racing, are excited and looking forward to the challenge. We would not be in this position without the support of our partners Tyco and BMW Motorrad and both are extremely happy to reach agreement with Michael for the 2018 season.”