Ducati will target its first victory at the Isle of Man TT in almost four decades after Davey Todd confirmed he will ride the firm’s Panigale V2 in the Supersport class at this year’s event.

Considered one of today’s road racing elite despite only making his TT debut in 2018, Todd has already amassed one podium and six top five finishes from four event starts.

Having achieved his most recent successes with the Milenco by Padgett’s Honda team, Todd will embark on a new chapter for 2024 after linking up with TAS Racing in for both the roads and a campaign in the National Superstock Championship.

While that assured him of riding BMW machinery in the Superbike/Senior TT and Superstock classes at the TT, it has now been confirmed that TAS Racing will enter Todd in the Supersport class with Ducati Panigale V2 machinery.

The choice represents a strong opportunity for Todd considering the success of the machine at WorldSSP and British Supersport level, Ducati taking titles in both series’ last season after changes to the regulations in 2022 permitted use of the 959cc, V2-cylinder model.

Set to race under the Powertoolmate Ducati banner, Todd is excited about being the first to put the motorcycle through its paces on the Mountain Course.

“It’s a pretty trick piece of kit, and there’s certainly no better looking Supersport machine on the grid!

“Looks are one thing, but the pedigree of the V2 is unquestionable, winning pretty much everything in 2023. The TT throws up a different challenge for sure, but with support from TAS [Racing] and Stewart [Johnstone] leading the team, I’m really excited about going down Bray Hill on the bike.”

Though the manufacturer has carved itself an enviable reputation in short circuit racing - particularly at Superbike level - Ducati ranks lowly in terms of victories at the TT with its last win coming way back with Tony Rutter in 1985. In all, it has achieved only eight wins at the TT.

Stewart Johnstone, Powertoolmate Ducati Team Principal, added: “I must admit, from an engineering perspective and also leading this effort, I’m looking forward to the challenge of taking an iconic brand and partner back to the TT, in what I think can be regarded as the most competitive category at the event. And on a personal level, I hope to rekindle the previous successes I’ve enjoyed with Ducati.”