Ian Hutchinson is to make a surprise return to TAS Racing under the all-new Synetiq BMW Motorrad banner for whatever road racing is likely to take place in 2020.

The announcement was made in the team’s new e-magazine title ’Full Gas’ on Tuesday, with the feature article offering an exclusive insight on the 16-time TT winner.

Hutchinson had great success with TAS Racing on S1000RR machinery in 2016 and 2017, winning at the TT, North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix, in addition to races in the British Superstock Championship.

Commenting, the Yorkshireman said: ’Putting this deal together with Philip [Neill] and Synetiq BMW to do the international road races is perfect for me really. I was secretly hoping that would be the case all winter if I’m honest.

’I had great success and a lot of fun the last time I rode the S1000RR for TAS Racing, and, having prepared so well in January and February, I’m ready to race when all this lockdown is over.’

TAS Racing team principal, Philip Neill, said: ’I honestly thought our racing days with Ian had come to an end after our successful partnership through 2016-17. However, we are clearly delighted that Ian was not only available but extremely keen on a return to TAS Racing.

’People may differ in their opinions on the various riders but one thing everyone can agree on is the utter determination shown by Hutchy time and time again.

’It never ceases to amaze me the amount of dedication and effort the man puts into his preparation for racing, and for that reason he is the perfect man to lead Synetiq BMW into this new chapter of our racing journey.

’We can only hope there is an opportunity available to celebrate the partnership during 2020.’

With the TT and Ulster Grand Prix definitely not taking place this year, the only opportunity for Hutchy to race on pure public roads in the British Isles may come if (and it is a big IF) the North West 200 is rescheduled later in the season.

It was originally set to take place the week after next between May 10-16 but was postponed in late March because of the onset of the coronavirus.

There is a slim possibility that a limited number of British Superbike/Superstock Championship events may take place late season, along with the annual Macau Grand Prix off the coast of mainland China in late November, but that would seem unlikely.

Ian Hutchinson in his new Synetiq BMW Motorrad leathers - but will the 2020 season ever commence?