Michael Dunlop achieved a significant milestone at the 2025 North West 200, securing his first victory since 2016. This win, in the Supersport Race 1, also marked his first triumph on a Ducati, specifically the Panigale V2. Dunlop's transition to the Ducati signifies the end of his long-standing association with the Yamaha R6 in the Supersport class.
Despite facing setup challenges with the Panigale V2 earlier in the week, Dunlop and his team overcame these obstacles. He expressed satisfaction with the bike's performance, especially considering the competition from short circuit specialists. Dunlop emphasized the significance of winning again in Northern Ireland at the international level.
Adding to his success, Dunlop also clinched victory in the Superstock race later the same day. This win was particularly remarkable given a crash earlier that morning during practice, which affected his shoulder and braking ability. Despite these challenges, Dunlop demonstrated resilience and determination, securing two impressive wins at the North West 200.