Ian Hutchinson makes Ducati switch for 2026 Isle of Man TT
Ian Hutchinson will ride a Ducati for the first time in his Isle of Man TT career in 2026.
16-time Isle of Man TT winner Ian Hutchinson will ride a Ducati Panigale V2 in the Supersport class in 2026.
Hutchinson will contest the two supersport races for Burrows Engineering/RK Racing, as he becomes the team’s first signing of the year. The Bingley-born rider has previously competed at the TT aboard Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki and BMW machinery.
Hutchinson is an eight-time supersport race winner, with only Michael Dunlop having achieved more success in the class.
Hutchinson’s switch from Yamaha comes at a time where Ducati has stepped up to be a major force in the Supersport class. Davey Tood was a two-time podium finisher when riding Ducati machinery in 2024, while Dunlop won both races at the 2025 TT with the Panigale V2.
You might like to read our 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 review.
Heading into the 2026 TT, Hutchinson is one of only seven riders that has lapped the 37.73-mile course with an average speed of more than 128mph in the supersport category.
Speaking about the addition of Hutchinson, team owner John Burrows, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to have Ian onboard our Ducati V2 in the Supersport class at the Isle of Man TT Races. Ian needs no introduction - he’s a 16-time TT winner, with many of those victories coming in the Supersport class.
“Over the last season or so, I’ve seen a real hunger in Ian again, almost a resurgence after what has been a few tough years for him. You can see the desire to succeed is still very much there, and that’s something that really excites and motivates us as a team.
“Ian spent a lot of time circulating with Conor Cummins on our Ducati V2 during the Supersport races at the TT last year, so I’d like to think he’s seen something he’s liked, or felt that the Ducati would suit his riding style. On a personal note, Ian and myself both started our Mountain Course careers back in 2003 at the Manx Grand Prix, so it’s great to see things come full circle and to be teaming up for TT 2026.”
Find the latest motorcycle news on Visordown.com.
In This Article
After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.