Michael Dunlop debuts new Ducati machines at Oulton Park BSB test ahead of North West 200 and Isle of Man TT
Michael Dunlop broke cover on his new Ducati machines for 2026 at the official British Superbike test at Oulton Park in Cheshire on Tuesday.
Dunlop rode his MD Racing Ducati V4 Superbike and Scars Racing Ducati V2 Supersport machine on the opening day of the two-day test.
The record 33-time Isle of Man TT winner only unveiled his new V4 on Saturday.
Last year, Dunlop made the switch from a Yamaha R6 to the Ducati V2 for the Supersport class and won at the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT.
His Supersport TT double delivered the Italian manufacturer’s first wins at the TT since Kiwi Rob Holden won the Singles race in 1995 on the exotic Supermono machine.
Storm Stacey, who will make his debut at the North West 200 from May 6-9, topped the Superbike times on the Bathams AJN Racing Ducati V4R for Michael Rutter’s team.
Bradley Ray was second fastest (McAMS Yamaha), two tenths slower than Stacey, with reigning champion Kyle Ryde third on the Nitrous Competitions Racing Ducati ahead of Max Cook (AJN Steelstock bimota).
Ulsterman Glenn Irwin was fifth fastest on the second of the Nitrous Competitions Racing Ducati machines in his first outing of the year on his V4R race bike.
Andrew Irwin, riding the MET fonaCAB Racing Ducati, was eighth with Donegal’s Rhys Irwin in 20th on the MasterMac Honda, one place ahead of fellow Donegal man Richard Kerr on the SM Racing Honda.
Eugene McManus (MasterMac Honda) was 23rd. McManus and team-mate Irwin have made the step up to the BSB class this year for the first time.
Scott Swann, who had been without a ride, was in action on a Swann Racing Honda Superstock machine.