{"id":1896657,"date":"2026-04-22T14:40:47","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T11:40:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1896657"},"modified":"2026-04-22T14:40:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T11:40:47","slug":"first-look-michael-dunlop-rides-ducati-panigale-v4-r-at-bsb-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1896657","title":{"rendered":"FIRST LOOK: Michael Dunlop rides Ducati Panigale V4 R at BSB test"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16859.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>FIRST LOOK: Michael Dunlop rides Ducati Panigale V4 R at BSB test<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Michael Dunlop has got his first laps in aboard his Ducati Panigale V4 R during this week\u2019s BSB test at Oulton Park.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Alex Whitworth <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-22T15:40:47+01:00\">22 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16859.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16859.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16859.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16859.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16859.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16859.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16859.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16859.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16859.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Michael Dunlop, 2026 Oulton Park BSB Test. Credit: Ian Hopgood Photography.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Ian Hopgood Photography<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Isle of Man TT legend Michael Dunlop has been getting acquainted with his new Ducati Panigale V4 R race bike for this year\u2019s road racing campaign during this week\u2019s BSB test at Oulton Park.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">A year ago, Dunlop made his public debut aboard the BMW M1000 RR at the Oulton Park BSB test, and this year he\u2019s breaking cover aboard a new bike: the Ducati Panigale V4 R.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Dunlop announced last Saturday (18 April) that he would be switching to the Panigale for the 2026 road racing campaign having been on the BMW for only one year.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Dunlop won races at the North West 200 last year aboard the M1000 RR, but did not win in either the sole Superbike race or either Superstock race with the BMW last year.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Michael Dunlop, 2026 Oulton Park BSB Test. Credit: Ian Hopgood Photography.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Ian Hopgood Photography<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">At the same time he\u2019d switched to Ducati in the Supersport class after years of winning with the Yamaha R6. Last year\u2019s Supersport TTs saw Dunlop take Ducati\u2019s first victories at the world\u2019s most famous road race since 1995.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Oulton Park outing comes only a few days after Dunlop took delivery of the V4 R and is the first step of his road racing preparation for this year. After five of six sessions, Dunlop\u2019s best lap time is a 1m38.808s.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-9f4aee775c3f1c0a649fcbabe3f086f5d01ce1760d3ade65db4c017bf73b2e47\">  Ian Hutchinson reveals 2026 Isle of Man TT livery with WorldSBK links   Josh Brookes joins new Carl Cox-backed project for NW200 <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">After taking his first North West 200 wins in nine years at the 2025 event, Dunlop will be defending the headline North West 200 race on Saturday 9 May. He also won the Supersport and Superstock races on the first race day last year.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Isle of Man TT begins on 25 May, with the Senior TT due to conclude the fortnight on 6 June. Dunlop\u2019s two Supersport wins last year were accompanied by a pair of wins in the Supertwin class (now renamed Sportbike for 2026), meaning he goes there this year with 33 TT wins under his belt.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Road Racing<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Ian Hutchinson reveals 2026 Isle of Man TT livery with WorldSBK links<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/teamrst.png?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/teamrst.png?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/teamrst.png?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/teamrst.png?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/teamrst.png?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/teamrst.png?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/teamrst.png?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/teamrst.png?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/teamrst.png?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-60b6052d85bbfa8a25ad180cc56ad68484c94e368eaefbb3be17ec92e1aec954\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-100393850-1649415070.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-100393850-1649415070.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-100393850-1649415070.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Alex Whitworth<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">Journalist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Alex joined the Crash.net team in August of 2024 having covered consumer and racing motorcycle news at Visordown for two years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-704eb81509def411ba74b9f2d7eb95831fea862c981e27be0605d37c990d2262\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> Road Racing  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Michael Dunlop makes long-awaited Ducati Superbike switch at 2026 Isle of Man TT<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776533827\"> 18\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-06\/MD%201.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Michael Dunlop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> Road Racing  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Major Chinese manufacturer to make Isle of Man TT debut in 2026<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776442223\"> 17\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1291182_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"CFMoto, Moto2 2026\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> Road Racing  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Amazon\u2019s Isle of Man TT movie to begin filming at 2026 races<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776418472\"> 17\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-06\/3-img_5436-jpg.jpeg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Dean Harrison, Honda Racing, 2025 Isle of Man TT\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> Road Racing  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Podcast: Interview with Phil Wain about his new Isle of Man TT book<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776096079\"> 13\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-06\/6-photo-06-06-2025-14-40-13-jpg.jpeg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Michael Dunlop, Isle of Man TT 2025\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> Road Racing  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Josh Brookes needs to ride in \u2018scary area\u2019 for Isle of Man TT wins<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776092839\"> 13\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/_3tk0497.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Josh Brookes with 2026 DAO Racing Honda. Credit: DAO Racing.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> Road Racing  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Prominent Isle of Man TT team to expand, change bikes for 2026 road races<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775226516\"> 03\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/unnamed-49.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Mike Browne with 2026 Russell Racing Yamaha R9. Credit: Isle of Man TT.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Michael Dunlop has got his first laps in aboard his Ducati Panigale V4 R during this week\u2019s BSB test at Oulton Park.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Isle of Man TT legend Michael Dunlop has been getting acquainted with his new Ducati Panigale V4 R race bike for this year\u2019s road racing campaign during this week\u2019s BSB test at Oulton Park.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">A year ago, Dunlop made his public debut aboard the BMW M1000 RR at the Oulton Park BSB test, and this year he\u2019s breaking cover aboard a new bike: the Ducati Panigale V4 R.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Dunlop announced last Saturday (18 April) that he would be switching to the Panigale for the 2026 road racing campaign having been on the BMW for only one year.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Dunlop won races at the North West 200 last year aboard the M1000 RR, but did not win in either the sole Superbike race or either Superstock race with the BMW last year.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Michael Dunlop, 2026 Oulton Park BSB Test. Credit: Ian Hopgood Photography.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Ian Hopgood Photography<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">At the same time he\u2019d switched to Ducati in the Supersport class after years of winning with the Yamaha R6. Last year\u2019s Supersport TTs saw Dunlop take Ducati\u2019s first victories at the world\u2019s most famous road race since 1995.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Oulton Park outing comes only a few days after Dunlop took delivery of the V4 R and is the first step of his road racing preparation for this year. After five of six sessions, Dunlop\u2019s best lap time is a 1m38.808s.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-9f4aee775c3f1c0a649fcbabe3f086f5d01ce1760d3ade65db4c017bf73b2e47\">  Ian Hutchinson reveals 2026 Isle of Man TT livery with WorldSBK links   Josh Brookes joins new Carl Cox-backed project for NW200 <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">After taking his first North West 200 wins in nine years at the 2025 event, Dunlop will be defending the headline North West 200 race on Saturday 9 May. He also won the Supersport and Superstock races on the first race day last year.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Isle of Man TT begins on 25 May, with the Senior TT due to conclude the fortnight on 6 June. Dunlop\u2019s two Supersport wins last year were accompanied by a pair of wins in the Supertwin class (now renamed Sportbike for 2026), meaning he goes there this year with 33 TT wins under his belt.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Isle of Man TT legend Michael Dunlop has been getting acquainted with his new Ducati Panigale V4 R race bike for this year\u2019s road racing campaign during this week\u2019s BSB test at Oulton Park.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">A year ago, Dunlop made his public debut aboard the BMW M1000 RR at the Oulton Park BSB test, and this year he\u2019s breaking cover aboard a new bike: the Ducati Panigale V4 R.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Dunlop announced last Saturday (18 April) that he would be switching to the Panigale for the 2026 road racing campaign having been on the BMW for only one year.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Dunlop won races at the North West 200 last year aboard the M1000 RR, but did not win in either the sole Superbike race or either Superstock race with the BMW last year.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16247.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Michael Dunlop, 2026 Oulton Park BSB Test. Credit: Ian Hopgood Photography.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Ian Hopgood Photography<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">At the same time he\u2019d switched to Ducati in the Supersport class after years of winning with the Yamaha R6. Last year\u2019s Supersport TTs saw Dunlop take Ducati\u2019s first victories at the world\u2019s most famous road race since 1995.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Oulton Park outing comes only a few days after Dunlop took delivery of the V4 R and is the first step of his road racing preparation for this year. After five of six sessions, Dunlop\u2019s best lap time is a 1m38.808s.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-9f4aee775c3f1c0a649fcbabe3f086f5d01ce1760d3ade65db4c017bf73b2e47\">  Ian Hutchinson reveals 2026 Isle of Man TT livery with WorldSBK links   Josh Brookes joins new Carl Cox-backed project for NW200 <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">After taking his first North West 200 wins in nine years at the 2025 event, Dunlop will be defending the headline North West 200 race on Saturday 9 May. He also won the Supersport and Superstock races on the first race day last year.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Isle of Man TT begins on 25 May, with the Senior TT due to conclude the fortnight on 6 June. Dunlop\u2019s two Supersport wins last year were accompanied by a pair of wins in the Supertwin class (now renamed Sportbike for 2026), meaning he goes there this year with 33 TT wins under his belt.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/rr\/news\/1093290\/1\/first-look-michael-dunlop-rides-ducati-panigale-v4-r-bsb-test&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ih_bsb_oulton-park-test_16859.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] FIRST LOOK: Michael Dunlop rides Ducati Panigale V4 R at BSB test Michael Dunlop has got his first laps in aboard his Ducati Panigale V4 R during this week\u2019s BSB test at Oulton Park. Alex Whitworth 22 Apr 2026 Share Michael Dunlop, 2026 Oulton Park BSB Test. Credit: Ian Hopgood Photography. \u00a9\u00a0Ian [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1896657","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1896657","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1896657"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1896657\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1896657"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1896657"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1896657"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}