MCN Exclusive: Michael Dunlop to race BMWs on the roads!

MCN can exclusively reveal the first pictures of Michael Dunlop with the factory supported BMW S1000RR superbike that he will race in 2014.

After months of speculation about his road racing future, the seven time TT winner signed a contract to race the Hawk Racing prepared BMW at the company’s UK headquarters last week in front of MCN’s cameras.  Dunlop will ride the German built bike at the North West 200, the Isle of Man TT, Ulster Grand Prix and the Macau Grand Prix.

“BMW made it very clear that they want me to race for them and it is a new challenge for me, something very different.” Dunlop said as he posed for photographs with the Motorrad liveried superbike.

The 2013 four-time TT winner admitted that he hasn’t had the chance to ride the new superbike yet and knows very little about the BMW but he brushed aside any concerns about the challenge this might present.

“I am not scared of the thought of getting on to a new bike and trying to win.” he smiled.

“I have won TTs on a Yamaha, a Kawasaki and a Honda and I can win on a BMW.”

Alongside the superbike the Ballymoney man will ride another S1000RR in Superstock trim and a as yet undisclosed 600cc machine under his own MDR banner.

“We wanted Michael Dunlop because of what he has done so far in his career and it is clear what his ambitions are. He has impressed us with his great technical understanding and he has a huge competitive desire to win.” Lee Nicholls, BMWs UK Marketing Manager said after the deal was signed.

For the full exclusive pictures, interview and insight see today February 12th’s Motorcycle News.