Micha⛎el Dunlop has confirmed he is “currently considering options” for his Superbike ride at the Isle of Man TT for 2018 and will enter his own Superstock and Supersport 🧸machines as an independent entry.

The 16-time Isle of Man TT winner charged to victory in last year’s Senior TT for the Hawk Racing-run ℱBennetts Suzuki squad, having also led the earlier Superbike TT race before being forced to retiꦫre with a technical issue, and had been in negotiations to return to action for the team in 2018.

In a statement released by Dunlop, the 28-year-old has announced he’s opted not to renew his contract with Hawk Racing and is currently assessing his options in the Superbike class for the upcoming campaign✱. Dunlop says he will e⛎nter his own bikes into the Superstock and Supersport races this year.

“I'd like to clarify my current position regarding the upcoming road-racing season,” Dunlop said in a statement. “I will be contesting the Superstock and Supersport classes aꩲt the Isle of Man TT and other events on my own MD Racing machines.

“I have not𓄧 renewed my contract w✅ith Hawk Racing however, I am currently considering my options for the Superbike class and will confirm my plans when something is sorted.

“I'd like to🍬 thank Stua🗹rt and Steve for their support over recent years where we have shared a lot of success together.”

Reports have linked Dunlop to a return to BMW Supe🌌rbike machinery for 2018 having swept to victory in the Superbike TT and Senior TT races on the Island in 2016 and setting new lap records in the process.