William Dunlop joins Yamaha for 2013 Isle of Man TT
Saturday 01 December 2012
TT
William Dunlop has signed a deal with Shaun Muir's Milwaukee Yamaha team to ride at the 2013 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy.
The Ballymoney racer made his TT debut in 2006 and achieved his first podium in last year's Monster Energy Supersport 1 race. He has a fastest lap to date of 128.187mph (17:39.61) around the Mountain Course, which he set in last year's Dainese Superbike race.
The 27-year-old will also contest the North West 200, Ulster Grand Prix and all rounds of the British Supersport Championship in 2013 with the Milwaukee Yamaha team.
At the Motorcycle Live show in Birmingham, where the team was launched, Dunlop said:
"Joining a team like Milwaukee Yamaha means that on the roads all I have to think about is about going as fast as possible. We will be able to do lots of testing able to get up to speed before the first race, so this is a great team to get involved in."
“I would not have taken the ride if I did not think I could win a TT, especially on the Yamaha R6 which is my favourite bike to ride but there's no reason why I can't challenge for a win on the Superbike too. We have all the tools and I am looking forward to it.”
Isle of Man Government TT and Motorsport Manager Paul Phillips added:
"This is a great deal for William and just reward for his efforts. He is a hugely talented rider and this move should take him to the next level. It's great for the event to have a strong factory backed Yamaha team and rider combination."