William Dunlop signs deal with Muir Yamaha team

William Dunlop has signed a deal to ride on the roads and compete in the British Supersport Championship with Shaun Muir's Yamaha team in 2013.

The 27-year-old Ballymoney rider quit the Wilson Craig team in October.

Dunlop will contest the North West 200, Isle of Man TT, Ulster Grand Prix and all rounds of next year's British Supersport Championship.

He will be riding the bikes used by Ian Hutchinson this year and may also compete in selected Irish meetings.

Muir's outfit will be the official works Yamaha team in the British Superbike and Supersport Championships.

Hutchinson has been ruled out of the 2013 campaign as he needs further surgery on a leg injury.

Dunlop secured the Londonderry-based Wilson Craig team's first international win at the North West 200 this year before adding an Ulster Grand Prix victory in August.

However, he announced his departure from the team, saying it was "time to move on" although he emphasised that the split was amicable.