It was Ducati’s first TT victory since 1995, when New Zealander Robert Holden won the singles race for the Italian brand. The victory also marks Dunlop’s 14th success in the Supersport class – and the seventh with a different manufacturer.
Shortened race with a thrilling finish
Originally scheduled for three laps, the Supersport race was reduced to two laps due to delays. The start took place at 15:15 local time, and Dean Harrison took command as early as the first time check in Glen Helen. With a lead of 3.4 seconds over Dunlop, the Honda rider took an early lead. James Hillier (Bournemouth Kawasaki) followed in third place, just a further second behind. Just behind him were Davey Todd (myCOOLMAN by Padgetts Honda), Michael Evans (Smith Racing Triumph) and Paul Jordan (Jackson Racing Honda powered by Prosper2).
As the first lap progressed, Harrison initially extended his lead to 4.6 seconds. At the Ramsey Hairpin, his lead was 5.1 seconds. Hillier held on to third place, but Todd put increasing pressure on him. Jordan had to park his bike at Glentramman, which allowed Mike Browne (Boyce Precision by Russell Racing Yamaha) to move up to sixth place.
At the end of the first lap, Harrison led with an average speed of 127.888 mph (205.8 km/h), followed by Dunlop with 126.993 mph (204.4 km/h). Hillier (125.773 mph or 202.4 km/h) was just ahead of Todd (125.634 mph or 202.2 km/h). Evans (124.610 mph or 200.6 km/h) and Browne (124.571 mph or 200.5 km/h) completed the top six before the mandatory pit stop.
Dunlop ignites the turbo on lap two
Dunlop set about catching up on the second lap. At Glen Helen, Harrison’s lead was still 6.4 seconds, but Dunlop set several new sector best times – including in the section between Glen Helen and Ballaugh and from Ballaugh to Ramsey. The gap melted to 4.0 seconds by the famous hairpin.
While Hillier clearly pulled away from Todd, Josh Brookes (Jackson Racing Honda) pushed forward with strong split times and overtook both Evans and Browne. Both had to end the race prematurely: Evans rolled out at Stella Maris, Browne crashed at Sulby Bridge – but remained uninjured.
At the end of the second lap, Dunlop had reduced Harrison’s lead to 2.9 seconds. The battle for victory came to a head. Meanwhile, Hillier rode confidently to a podium finish, 11.4 seconds ahead of Todd.
The decision on the final lap
The third and final lap began with a showdown: at Glen Helen, Harrison was only 0.8 seconds ahead, and at Ballaugh Bridge, Dunlop was in front for the first time – albeit only by a wafer-thin 0.104 seconds. The Ducati rider was now on course for a lap record.
With a new record at the Ramsey Hairpin, Dunlop increased his lead to 3.4 seconds, which almost doubled by the time he reached the Bungalow. He completed his final lap at an average speed of 130.313 mph (209.7 km/h) – and secured his 30th TT victory overall with a lead of 10.2 seconds.
Podium for Hillier, strong performances from Todd and Brookes
James Hillier celebrated his 15th TT podium finish in third place – and his first since 2019. Todd and Brookes, who fought a thrilling duel for much of the second half of the race, finished in fourth and fifth place. Rob Hodson (SMT Racing Yamaha) completed the top six, followed by James Hind, Dominic Herbertson (HRRC/Gilbert Brown & Son Ltd Ducati), Ian Hutchinson and Conor Cummins (Burrows Engineering/RK Racing Ducati).
Conclusion: Historic day at the TT 2025
Michael Dunlop once again underlined his exceptional status on the Isle of Man with his 30th TT victory. Particularly noteworthy: The success was also Ducati’s first triumph at the TT in 30 years and Dunlop’s first victory with the Italian manufacturer. He has now won with seven different brands on the Mountain Course – an achievement that no one is likely to repeat so quickly.
→ This article is part of our comprehensive overview of the Isle of Man TT 2026 – find all information on schedule, riders, teams, and results in our Isle of Man TT 2026 overview.
