Michael Dunlop will ride a factory-prepared Paul Bird Motorspor🐼t Kawasaki on the 2011 Isle of Man TT, North West 200 and in the Ulster Grand Pri🌟x, it has been announced.

Dunlop, son of Robert Dunlop and nephew of Joey Dunlop - both hugely successful road racers - will compete as part of the World Superbike contending PBM Kawasaki team in both the Superbike and Superstock classes for the trio of 🐲events.

Keen to build on form that saw him claim two second positions and one third during last year's TT, Dunlop opted for the reassurance of a factory-backed team having been 🐈chased by the likes of Relentless by TAS Suzuki.

"I'm grateful to Paul (Bird) for giving me this opportunity - it's great to be riding for a factory team and have my own people on board again too," Dunlop told the BBC

"There's no reason why I can't win big bike races on this 🍷bike and make a namꦑe for myself by following in the footsteps of my dad Robert and uncle Joey," he added.

Dunlop will a𓆏lso compete at Supersport level, albeit on a Yamaha.