Paul Bird has this evening confirmed he has signed Michael Dunlop to ride a works-backed Ducati Panigale V4R in the 2020 Isle of Man TT and North West 200 Superbike races.

Dunlop had been scouting around for a Superbike ride for both festivals to complement the Superstock and Supersport entries he will run himself.

”We will be doing both the North West and the TT. And we are not going just to finish on the podium, I believe we can win,” Bird told bikesportnews.com.

“I have never seen Michael looking so fit and I have known him a long time. He will be riding the bike at the BSB test at Jerez.”

It is not yet sure whether Josh Brookes will join Dunlop at the North West.

Bird last ran a Ducati at the Isle of Man when John McGuinness took the MonsterMob 998 to second and third place finishes in the 2003 Senior and Formula 1 TT races.