Racer sets his targets for the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix
Tyco Suzuki’s William Dunlop is confident he will be fully fit and able to make amends for his premature exit at the Isle of Man TT with a strong performance at the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix this August.
The Ballymoney rider, who has seven wins at the Dundrod circuit under his belt, suffered a broken leg in a high-speed crash at the Graham Memorial last month as he battled with brother Michael for the lead.
The accident subsequently ruled Dunlop out of the Southern 100, but with several good results this season, including wins at the North West 200 and the Skerries, he remains upbeat as he starts his preparations for the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix.
William said: “We are pretty happy with the bikes this year. Our set up is really quick and when we make any changes we just end up going back to what we had at the start.
“The superbike is a really competitive package and now I’m starting to ride it well, I’m hoping for some good results at Dundrod. It’s my favourite circuit and I’ve still got a few weeks to get back to fitness so I’d like to get a win, especially on the big bike.
“I’ve been really pleased with the season so far and I couldn’t be more happy with the Tyco team, although the way the TT ended up certainly wasn’t part of the plan.”
Despite his confidence on the superbike Dunlop was still quick to play down the significance of lap records.
“Lap records are a bit strange to be honest, they either happen or they don’t, everything just needs to fall into place. They don’t replace the win for me.
“Lap times can stand for years because even with the bikes getting faster so many things have to be right, so I just keep focused on the racing.”
Dunlop is tipped as one of the favorites competing at Dundrod this August and after his thrilling battle with Bruce Anstey in the supersport race last year Noel Johnston, Clerk of the Course at the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix, is excited to see how he will perform.
Noel said: “I’m delighted to see William back and showing such strong form already. Winning at the Skerries will be a big boost for him.
“He is a real fan favourite and he has a fantastic record at Dundrod, so I’m sure he will be in contention for wins come Bike Week. He’s certainly enjoying riding the Suzuki machines and it will be interesting to see if he can translate that into more good results.”
Pictured is William with Gerard and Siobhan Rice of Around a Pound, sponsors of the Superstock race, Noel Johnston, UGP Clerk of the Course and UGP gird girl Sorrel Flack at the launch of the 2014 Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix on board the SS Nomadic earlier this month.