Yamaha is leading the charge to secure the signature of Ulster road racing star Michael Dunlop following the seven-time Isle of Man TT star’s split from Honda, News Letter Sport understands.

Dunlop, who won four TTs in a week in June on Honda machinery and scored his maiden Superbike victory on the Mountain Course on the Legends Fireblade, will not have his contract renewed by the mighty Japanese manufacturer next season after turning down offers to remain with the team.

The news has sparked a scramble for the 24-year-old’s signature, with Yamaha in pole position to acquire the services of the world’s current top road racer.

British Superbike outfit Milwaukee Yamaha has already signed ex-Tyco Suzuki rider Josh Brookes for 2014, with Ian Hutchinson returning to Shaun Muir’s team on the YZF-R1.

However, Milwaukee Yamaha is desperate to add Dunlop to the fold and a source close to the team told the News Letter ‘every effort’ will be made to negotiate a deal with the Ballymoney man.

An attractive offer is on the table as part of a package that grants Dunlop the freedom to operate within his own MD Racing team with Yamaha Superbike and Supersport machinery provided with factory support from Yamaha Japan.

Milwaukee Yamaha’s R6 machines will be prepared by respected engine tuner Marcus Eschenbacher next year, who was in Cal Crutchlow’s corner when the MotoGP contender won the World Supersport title for Yamaha in 2009.

Eschenbacher also built the engines used by William Dunlop this season when he rode for Chris Dowd’s CD Racing team in the 600cc class.

William, meanwhile, is set for a high-profile move to Tyco Suzuki along with Guy Martin, with a team insider confirming to the News Letter that talks are at an advanced stage.



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Michael Dunlop splits with Honda TT Legends team

Rumours over the past week or so that Michael Dunlop is quitting the Honda TT Legends team have been confirmed by race boss Neil Tuxworth.


‘Michael Dunlop will not be with Honda next year, that is 100 per cent,’ he told MCN on Tuesday.

‘We put two or three deals to Michael but he turned them all down,’ Tuxworth explained. ‘He decided that he didn’t want to stay with Honda.’



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