NW200: Victory challenge unlikely, says William Dunlop

William Dunlop on the IC Racing Caffrey Yamaha.

Dunlop is running his own team with backing from IC Racing and MMB after parting company from CD Racing and only rode his new Yamaha R6 for the first time in Tuesday’s practice.

He was ninth fastest on the machine and feels victory will be out of his reach due to a lack of preparation time with the bike, which was quickest through the speed trap at an incredible 182mph.

“I did 180mph twice as well as 182mph, so it wasn’t a one-off and I did it without a slipstream as well, or who knows what it could’ve been,” he said.

“The bike has plenty of speed, which is a good thing, but because the rules have changed this year it means the electronics are different and that’s worked against us.

“The way the bike responds to the throttle isn’t quite right yet.

“The good thing is we’re going to the TT with a really fast bike but unfortunately the North West is really just a test for us,” Dunlop added.

“It’s just a shame I didn’t have more time to get it dialled in here but that’s the way it has panned out.

“It’s asking too much to think I can win but I think I can be in the top six and get a decent result, but with the things we need to get sorted properly we just don’t have the time.”