Guy Martin returns to Isle of Man TT with Honda Racing

Guy Martin has signed a deal with the official Honda Racing team to ride the new CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 at this year's Isle of Man TT. 



In a surprising comeback, Martin will make his return to the international road races for the first time since a serious accident at the Ulster Grand Prix in 2015. 



The 35-year-old has cut ties with Tyco BMW in his switch to the official Honda effort and joins alongside 23-time TT winner John McGuinness. 



Martin will ride Superstock and Superbike machinery at the TT and is also set to return to the North West 200, Southern 100 and Ulster Grand Prix meetings.

It represents a huge U-turn for the truck mechanic and television presenter with his future in road racing cast into doubt after his back injury at Dundrod in August 2015, while he opted to skip last year’s Isle of Man TT in favour for the ultra-endurance mountain bike event the Tour Divide.

The Grimsby rider admits after considering the Honda offer he felt it was too good a deal to turn down and is relishing the challenge of the new Fireblade along with working alongside McGuinness.

"Neil Tuxworth has been talking to me for a while about joining the team, but I had a lot of thinking to do before I committed and said yes," Martin said. "I spent a lot of time on my push bike to and from work, thinking about what to do.

"I didn’t want to grow old regretting not giving the Honda a go, and the more time passes since making the decision, the more time I’ve thought it is the right decision. Honda is a great team and the Fireblade has always been a weapon on the roads, so with the new bike, I'm keen to give it a go.

"We’ve got a busy testing schedule coming up and I’ve put some other stuff off to make time. John [McGuinness] is the man, I’ve got massive respect for him and I’m looking forward to racing on the Fireblade against him."

Martin previously raced Honda machinery at the TT for the Hydrex Honda team and Wilson Craig Racing.

McGuinness is duly targeting a return to the top step at the TT with the new Honda and has welcomed Martin with open arms.

"I’m excited to have Guy as my new team-mate," McGuinness said. we’ve enjoyed many a racing battle over the years and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can both do."