Ryan Farquhar has today (Wednesday) announced his plans for the 2016 International road racing season and it promises to be one of the most exciting yet in his illustrious career.

The Dungannon ace is set to have a three pronged attack across the Superbike, Superstock and Lightweight classes with the biggest news being that he will be switching to BMW power for the 1000cc categories after eight years with Kawasaki.

Arguably the most exciting announcement is that Ryan will be part of the official Tyco BMW squad at the Isle of Man TT Races where he’ll compete as team-mate to Ian Hutchinson in the Superbike and Senior races on board the BMW S1000R originally earmarked for Guy Martin.

He will also be riding a Superstock-spec BMW S1000R throughout the season with the International Energy Group (IEG) being the title sponsor. Ryan will have this machine at his disposal for all of 2016 and will see him contest numerous National road races in Ireland as well as the TT and North West 200.

As expected, Ryan will also have a major presence in the Lightweight class where SGS International will continue to be the title sponsor. He will once more campaign an ER6 Kawasaki at the NW200, TT and Irish road races whilst a number of other riders will be contesting the races on his machines.

Former Grand Prix ace Jeremy McWilliams will make his now annual return to the North West 200 to contest the two races there whilst Australian Cameron Donald will take over the machine for the Isle of Man TT.

In addition, Danny Webb and Darren James will compete at both the North West 200 and TT with selected outings at the National road races. Webb’s personal sponsor, Stilebridge Groundworks, will also become one of KMR Kawasaki’s team sponsors whilst Ryan also welcomes Game Bore Cartridges as another new sponsor alongside his existing ones from previous years.

“Without doubt, it’s the most exciting I’ve felt coming into a new season for a long time,” said Farquhar. “I’ve recently turned 40 but I’m getting great support and feel fitter than ever and with some great machinery for 2016, it’s an opportunity I aim to grab with both hands. From a confidence point of view, I’m riding well, I’m fit and the chance to ride the Tyco BMW at the TT is one I’m relishing. We know the bike’s good enough to win and the team obviously have the experience to win races so I’m confident I can run at the sharp end.”

“I’ve been with Kawasaki a long time and have ridden every version of the Kawasaki ZX-10R so it’s a shame it’s come to an end but the deal with IEG was one that was too good to turn down. It’s a proven race package and with the Tyco ride coming as well, I’ve never been as well fixed as what I am this year. As a result of joining Tyco BMW, I’ll also be making the switch to Metzeler tyres from Dunlop who have supported me for many years. RST have given me full support as well so there are a lot of changes for 2016, but changes that I’m really excited about so I can’t wait to get going.”

Farquhar’s season will get underway over the Easter weekend at the Thundersport Championship meeting at Donington Park before he turns his attention to the roads with the Mid Antrim and Tandragee road races prior to May’s International North West 200. The Isle of Man TT in June will be Ryan’s main event of the year whilst he also intends to participate at the Classic TT and selected Irish National road races.

Photo by Stephen Davison – Pacemaker Press International.