Northern Ireland based TAS Racing has strengthened their relationship with Metzeler tyres, a long time partner of fellow German brand BMW.

The Tyco BMW International Road Racing team of Guy Martin and William Dunlop – including Alastair Seeley at the North West 200 – will be utilising Metzeler rubber in their quest for honours ‘between the hedges’ this season.

The team will be using ‘slick’ RACETEC™ tyres on their BMW Motorrad Superbikes and treaded RACETEC™ RR on the awesome road based BMW S 1000 RR Superstock bikes.

Many BMW machines from Hypersports to Adventure Sport models have long entrusted their grip to the many different types of Metzeler tyres – fitted as ‘original equipment’.

Metzeler decided to develop its two latest ranges of tyres directly from its Road Racing activities with input from riders such as Guy and William. First launching the award winning SPORTEC™ M7 RR, the brand has followed up this year with the race focused, cutting edge RACETEC™ RR, including a higher mileage, road use version.

Tyco BMW team manager Philip Neill said:

“This is our longest standing partnership since the formation of TAS Racing in 2000, and we have been exclusive with their brand ever since then. It really is a pleasure to work with Metzeler, and as Guy Martin has said previously during numerous projects with them, ‘they are one hundred percent committed to the job’. This season I know will be no different and I’ve every confidence Metzeler will provide us with the very best product for that job.”

Metzeler Racing Manager Jason Griffiths, himself a successful Road Racing competitor for many years, commented:

“We have an excellent relationship with the Tyco BMW team, which can only be strengthened by their exciting new partnership with BMW.

Our focus has not only been to succeed at the International Road Races, but to benefit from using them as the ultimate proving ground in the development of our latest generation of tyres, for both track and road use. Metzeler is a pure motorcycling brand and this activity provides the perfect platform to demonstrate the ‘real world’ performance of Racetec RR.”