Ryan Farquhar replaces Guy Martin in Tyco BMW squad

In a shock move, veteran Irishman Ryan Farquhar will replace Guy Martin in the Tyco BMW squad in 2016.

Tyco’s popular Lincolnshire star has opted out of this year’s Isle of Man TT races to compete in a bicycle race in America, leaving the way open for 40 year old Farquhar to ride Martin’s S1000RR BMW.

“When Guy said he wasn’t doing the TT the ride became available and it all just fell into place.” the three time TT winner explained.

“I was at the right place at the right time and that is often how these things work out. For me it felt as if it was just meant to be.”

It is the second time the man who has won over 360 road races has joined the ranks of Phillip Neill’s TAS team. In 2006 Farquhar was set to race Suzukis for the Northern Ireland based squad when the venture ended before it began after he was badly injured in a crash at the Cookstown 100.

“I got hurt falling off a 250cc Honda, a bike that I probably shouldn’t have been riding, and the TAS job was over before it started.” Farquhar recalls.

“I would never have believed I would be back riding with the team again.”

Farquhar and new boss Neill have their sights set on success on the S1000RR superbike for 2016.

“There were lots of people interested in riding the bike but there were a lot of things that made it work with Ryan.” Neill explained.

“First there is history between us and to me it is a nice way to bring the negative that we had in the past to a positive conclusion. I like the feel of that.”

Neill also wanted an experienced team-mate for his other 2016 signing, Ian Hutchinson.

“It is no secret that our focus this year is heavily based around Hutchy and although there was plenty of interest from young riders and newcomers in racing for us we decided not to go down that route.” he said.

“Ryan is hands on and he has plenty of experience from a bike set up point of view. I have huge respect for what he has achieved in racing and he was so enthusiastic about doing this. He will be a big asset to the team.”