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***Malcolm*** · 10-12-2014, 11:39 AM

Isle of Man TT marvel Michael Dunlop could be on the brink of a deal to ride a factory Kawasaki ZX-10R Superbike with technical support provided by the official World Superbike team in 2015.

Dunlop, also linked with Paul Denning’s Crescent Suzuki World Superbike squad, parted company from BMW Motorrad following a stellar season this year.

The 25-year-old has now racked up 11 TT wins, drawing level with fellow Ulsterman Phillip McCallen and Scottish hero Steve Hislop.

Dunlop added more lustre to his international roads record in 2014 after bagging wins in the feature Superbike and Superstock races at the North West 200 plus the Superbike, Superstock and Senior races at the TT for the German marque.

However, Moneymore outfit TAS Racing is all but confirmed as BMW’s official British Superbike and roads team for 2015, with Guy Martin and William Dunlop spearheading the manufacturer’s assault at the North West, TT and Ulster Grand Prix.

It is a mirror image of the scenario Dunlop found himself in last year, when the Ballymoney man split from Honda after a sensational performance at the TT, sparking endless speculation over his next move.

And once again the rumour mill has been in full swing, with Dunlop linked to a string of teams and manufacturers.

However, the News Letter understands that Dunlop may have opted for Kawasaki power next year, despite reports that he missed a meeting with UK top brass at the recent Motorcycle Live Show at the NEC in Birmingham, where he had been expected to put pen to paper on a deal.

Kawasaki UK would run Dunlop in a one-man team with backing from Kawasaki Motors Europe and technical input and direction provided by Kawasaki Racing Manager Ichiro Yoda, who has a direct link with Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd (KHI) in Japan.

The team would be run separately from the Kawasaki UK-supported Quattro Plant Muc-Off Kawasaki outfit, whose rider James Hillier has re-signed for next season.

However, the Pete Extance-managed outfit will also benefit from additional Kawasaki Motor Europe backing and the guidance of highly respected engineer Yoda at the NW200 and TT.

“It’s fantastic that Kawasaki UK have acknowledged our efforts and success over the years with James Hillier and are now helping us in our attempt to take wins in the Superbike and Senior races at the NW200 and TT,” said Extance.

“Ichiro Yoda brings a wealth of experience from the WSBK squad with the ZX-10R and it will be great for our technicians to get his valuable guidance and technical support.”

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