Photo: MCN
Breaking news at the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy as 11-time winner Michael Dunlop announced he is no longer going to compete aboard Milwaukee Yamaha's YZF-R1 bike. Apparently, his decision arrived after the bike proved slow and experienced more technical problems in the opening practice sessions at the Mountain Course.
Reportedly, the problems with the R1 first appeared in the North West 200 race. Dunlop had a disappointing time in his home event, and was apparently ready to call it quits after the Irish race. The initial practice sessions saw Dunlop being noticeable slower than other machines.
According to MCN, Bruce Anstey was clocked at 128.641 mph (206.983 km/h) aboard a Valvoline Padgett Honda, while Dunlop only managed to be as fast as 124.519 mph (200.351 km/h). Even more, the same source mentions that the team also failed to properly resolve a mechanical issue that caused oil to enter the airbox at high speed. This problem was detected on both William Dunlop's and Dean Harrison's MarTrain R1 bikes.
As Dunlop parted with BMW in very good terms and left an open door for a return, he will ride their top-spec S1000RR in the Senior TT and Superbike TT. A triple winner aboard this bike last year, Michael Dunlop will however have to face strong competition using the same hardware from his brother William, and from Tyco-BMW's Guy Martin.
According to MCN, Bruce Anstey was clocked at 128.641 mph (206.983 km/h) aboard a Valvoline Padgett Honda, while Dunlop only managed to be as fast as 124.519 mph (200.351 km/h). Even more, the same source mentions that the team also failed to properly resolve a mechanical issue that caused oil to enter the airbox at high speed. This problem was detected on both William Dunlop's and Dean Harrison's MarTrain R1 bikes.
William Dunlop is back with BMW and Honda
Dunlop decided he will ride his own BMW S1000RR in the Superstock race and his MD Racing Honda CBR600RR in the Supersport events. With only two practice sessions remaining until the action reaches the racing phase, Michael Dunlop and his MD Racing outfit are on the edge as far as time for setup is concerned. They will have to do their best to come up with the optimum race trim for his S1000RR for the Superbike and Superstock TT events.As Dunlop parted with BMW in very good terms and left an open door for a return, he will ride their top-spec S1000RR in the Senior TT and Superbike TT. A triple winner aboard this bike last year, Michael Dunlop will however have to face strong competition using the same hardware from his brother William, and from Tyco-BMW's Guy Martin.
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