Ducati return in British Superbike Championship feels like a homecoming, says title hopeful Glenn Irwin

Irwin and the PBM Ducati team parted company following a disagreement over the timing of his comeback from injury, and the two-time BSB title runner-up joined champion Kyle Ryde at Nitrous Competitions Racing Yamaha.

He will continue riding for the championship-winning outfit next year, but the team will make the switch from Yamaha to the new Ducati Panigale V4R.

Speaking to former BSB champion Niall Mackenzie at Motorcycle Live in Birmingham, Irwin said: “Yes, exactly that [feels like a homecoming]. It’s quite timely.

"I keep calling last year a tough season, but I have to remind myself how the beginning of the year was going.

“So, to come back with a manufacturer like Ducati, a manufacturer I’ve had so much success with, with the V-twin, the V4.

“That feeling like you weren’t turning up to win races is all gone. We’re back, and it fills me with determination.

“I never really need more motivation, but there’s certainly extra now. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and to be back,” added Irwin, who won a record 11 Superbike races at the North West 200 before announcing his retirement from road racing at the end of 2024, albeit the Carrickfergus man recently refused to rule out a return in the future.

“My last race on a Ducati was Race 3 at Donington Park, and I managed to pull Brad Ray in by three seconds and doing lap times that were very, very competitive in World Superbikes.

"That’s a good feeling, and a good memory. And that’s what is burning inside me now that we’re back.

“Obviously, there’s the new V4R. I’m so excited to get on it. And a great plan for pre-season as I have a Panigale V4S that I’m going to utilise in Spain for a few months, and to work on my riding technique.

“We have everything lined up to go back to where we were before, maybe even stronger.”