Irwin keen to take Ducati to the roads

British Superbike star Glenn Irwin is confident the Ducati Panigale R he rides in the British series would be well suited and competitive on the roads should it be given chance.

Irwin made his roads debut at the Ulster Grand Prix in 2014 before going on to instantly impress at the following year’s North West 200 with a second placed finish the second Supersport race but took a seat on the sidelines for the 2016 roads season as he made the step up to the British Superbike class with the Be Wiser PBM Ducati team.

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However, with three rounds of BSB now under his belt it is believed the Carrickfergus rider is trying to persuade team boss Paul Bird to let him compete at this year’s MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix this August.

“We can’t say too much right now, but hopefully it happens,” Irwin said. “We might be there racing but ultimately it is Paul’s decision and if he wants the Ducati there, I’ll be there.

“The focus for now is on the British Championships. I’m starting to get a good feeling with the bigger bike and I’m learning every time I throw my leg over it.

“I’ve heard a few people say that the Panigale isn’t a road racing bike, but to be honest I’m not so sure. Maybe it’s not a TT bike, but now I’ve ridden it I definitely think it has a lot of characteristics that would suit fast, flowing road circuits like Dundrod. It has so much torque and is a missile in every gear, so I think it would work well.”