Monday's Isle of Man TT Race Preview

Having claimed his 16^th Isle of Man TT victory on Saturday, Michael Dunlop will start as the firm favorite when the second day of solo racing begins on Monday.

The Northern Irishman led the way in Supersport and Superstock practice during practice week, and his confidence will be high when he takes to the start line on Glencrutchery Road for the Supersport race.

Riding a self prepared Honda CBR600RR, he comfortably led the way in practice with a 127mph-lap, but he’ll know that winning on Monday will be a much tougher task than his Superbike victory proved to be.

Taking advantage of mechanical failure for two of his biggest rivals on Saturday, Dunlop controlled the second half of the race but Monday’s four lap races are likely to be very different.

Dean Harrison, the new outright lap record holder, will be keen to bounce back from the disappointment of retiring from the lead on Saturday.

Second fastest in qualifying for both the Supersport and Superstock classes, he’ll feel confident of adding a second TT victory to his resume. The Bradford man was in superb form on Saturday to smash the lap record, from a standing start no less, and has made huge strides over the last 12 months.

Peter Hickman was another rider hit by mechanical woes on Saturday, but he’ll be on form and contending on Monday. The British Superbike star has been on the pace in Superstock all week, and spent Friday focusing on the stock machine.

The Smiths BMW rider will be fast over both four-lap races, and his best chance of a win this week could well be the Superstock race.

Josh Brookes has spent plenty of time on the Yamaha R6 this week, and while the Australian was fourth fastest in practice, he’ll know that he’ll need to make a step forward in the race if he’s to challenge for a Top 5 finish.

Even so the speed is there and he continues to build his experience he’ll only get closer to the front.

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Be sure to follow all of our 2018 Isle of Man TT racing coverage this fortnight.