From the Paul Phillips on the 'other' TT forum:

"The situation is this. Michael's team do not want to take part in TT 2008 for their own reasons being budgetary or whatever. Michael very much does. He has not entered the TT though and entries are now closed.

However, his team have now given him permission to ride the TT for another team and indeed another manufacturer if an opportunity arises. Can that happen if he hasn't entered? Well the answer is yes, if a team which has an entry, holds a valid Entrants License and for whatever reason decides to replace their entered rider with Michael, who would be eligible given the fact that he has not had an entry for the 2008 TT refused.

So the chances of Michael riding at TT 2008 are remote, but never say never!

Paul"

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Would MR not, therefore, be in the same situation as MD, and as long as he could complete 3 timed practice laps, he would be eligible to ride on a pre-entered bike???