Dunlop Dumps Yamaha On Eve of Racing
- Jun 4, 2015
- 2 min read
Michael Dunlop has made a shock decision to return to BMW machinery with the Buildbase team on the eve of the first race of the 2015 Isle of Man TT.
Dunlop, 26, had been dropped by BMW Motorrad when they joined up with the Tyco by TAS Racing squad for the 2015 campaign, and had joined the Milwaukee Yamaha team as they got set to unleash their brand new R1 Superbike.
Now, after a North West 200 fraught with mechanical woes and difficult night's practice earlier this week, Dunlop will have to re-learn the S1000RR Superbike in tonight's practice session as he gears up for the opening race of the meeting on Saturday – the Superbike TT.
The Ballymoney rider will also rider a S1000RR in the Superstock class and a Honda CBR600 in the Supersport class under his own banner.
Milwaukee Yamaha Team Statement:
“Milwaukee Yamaha have worked tirelessly to prepare a race winning package especially with the introduction of the new R1M.
“The development of the bike is advancing well testament to results on the short circuit worldwide.
“Despite having all the ingredients for TT success, rider, bike and team, Micahel has taken the decision not to continue with the programme and for that reason we have released him from his contract.”
This is a brave choice by Michael, because it will undoubtedly come under a lot of scrutiny from onlookers who feel he has mistreated the Milwaukee team. But I think you need to look at it from his perspective; he races to win and the R1 is not capable of doing so at the moment. Therefore his only option was to return to a machine and team he knows can win, and win well.
During practice he was 13th after a lap of 124.519mph, compared to Valvoline Padgett's Honda rider Bruce Anstey's fastest lap of 128.641. And with record pace set to be broken once again he needs a bike that can deliver record laps all race long.
This move is very much 'bit between the teeth' and not 'tail between the legs' situation.
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