TT 2017: Dunlop: 'It was almost the impossible made possible on Sunday'

1 of 1

Michael Dunlop has said he was ‘down in the mouth’ after missing out on what he thought would have been a certain victory in Sunday’s TT after his Bennetts Suzuki broke down while he led by seven seconds.

The Ulsterman had just set what would be the fastest lap of the race from a standing start and was powering on at the front when an engine issue with his GSX-R ruled him out of the race heading into the second lap.

However, the 28-year-old bounced back in spectacular fashion to take his 14th TT victory in yesterday’s opening Monster Energy Supersport race. After taking the lead in the early stages of the race, Dunlop put the hammer down to build a dominant lead over JG Speedfit Kawasaki’s James Hillier.

TOP STORIES

“It was nearly the impossible being possible on Sunday,” he said.  “Coming with a brand new bike and people thought it was stupid, and we were all right, going the second lap I was having a bit of a push, and she just stopped.  These things happen, if we all wrote our careers down about what we could have done, we would have a fantastic career

“I was down in the mouth yesterday, but the boys all worked hard, the team worked hard, pulled back strong and this is what happens if you – we just stood up and made today count instead.”

Pick up a copy of our special edition McGuinness: Ordinary bloke. Extraordinary Racer. This special from MCN, celebrates the career of one of the sport’s best-loved road racers. Affectionately known as McPint, John’s career has wowed and entertained bike racing fans for more than 20 years. Buy it here. 

Looking for the perfect two-wheeled companion? Visit MCN Bikes For Sale website or use MCN’s Bikes For Sale App.

Oli Rushby

By Oli Rushby

Former sports reporter covering British Superbikes, World Superbikes and road racing