The 23-year-old from Ballymoney yesterday confirmed to the News Letter that he will ride brand new 600cc, Superstock and Superbike Yamahas for Dowd next season.

Dunlop is also keen to compete on a 250 again, although the finer details of a deal to ride in the two-stroke class are still being finalised.

He will contest the three major international road races – the North West 200, TT and Ulster Grand Prix – with the option of riding at any national meetings of his choice.

“It’s great to have it all tied up for next season and the first race I’ll be doing next year will be Daytona in America, so that’s a real bonus,” he said.

“The three international road races are the main priority for us, but the big one is going to be the Isle of Man TT. Chris is a big fan of the TT and I’ll be going back next year after deciding not to ride there this year.

“I’ll have brand new Yamahas and I want to be winning races on the 600 and improving my results on the Superbike, because I’ve still a bit of learning to do on the big bikes yet,” William added.

“At the TT, I want to be pushing for a podium in the Supersport races and the bike is more than capable of it. I felt I could have won the 600 race at the Ulster Grand Prix this year because the bike is so good and I feel really comfortable on it.”

After taking a temporary break from road racing earlier this season, Dunlop joined CD Racing in June and although he has struggled to get to grips with an ill-handling Superbike, he bagged a string of runner-up finishes in the 600cc class at Athea, Skerries, Walderstown and Faugheen.

“I’ve had some handling problems with the Superbike and I’ve never ridden one at the TT, so that will be new to me next year,” he said.

“I want to get experience of riding the Superbike and Superstock bikes at the TT.

“Chris has left it up to me what national road races we do and we’ll probably be at most of them,” he added.

“I wouldn’t mind doing some British short circuit races next season, but I won’t be doing a full championship. Maybe I’ll take the 600 over and do a few races on it.”

Team principal, Chris Dowd, added: “We’re pleased to have William back on board and the three internationals and the national road races are the main goals for us next season.

“We want to make it as easy for William as possible so that all he has to do is concentrate on riding the bikes.

“First up next year, we’ll be going to Daytona, because it’s a high-speed circuit and helps to get the riders up to speed before going to the likes of the North West 200.

“William is a likable lad with a good head on his shoulders and next season could be a big one for him.”