Michael Dunlop was left frustrated as poor weather blighted the Honda TT Legends Endurance World Championship test at Magny Cours in France.

Dunlop, who was drafted into the EWC line-up as a replacement for Cameron Donald after impressing during a shakedown earlier this month at Mireval in France and Albacete in Spain, joined John McGuinness and Simon Andrews as the trio participated in the pre-Bol d’Or 24-hour test on Wednesday and Thursday.

Michael Rutter was absent from the test as he continues to recover from a broken leg sustained in a crash at Mireval.

Dunlop continues to vindicate Honda boss Neil Tuxworth’s decision to grant the 23-year-old a place in the EWC team, with all three Legends riders’ best laps at Magny Cours within half a second of each other.

Dunlop, who was originally signed by the Honda Motor Europe-funded outfit to ride in the Superbike class at the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT, said: “The weather’s been pretty terrible again so it’s been a bit tough, but we’ve made the most of the time we’ve had on track and made progress with the set-up of the bike.

“The team element of endurance is new to me but we’re all on a similar pace so that’s a good thing for when we’re back here for the race in a few weeks’ time.”


McGuinness - chasing a 20th victory at the TT in June - said he was ‘ready for action’ at the opening round of the championship at Magny Cours on April 20/21, which hosts the legendary Bol d’Or 24-hour meeting.

Cold and damp weather plus red flags and oil on the circuit hampered progress on Wednesday, but the Honda riders clocked up more laps on the 2013-spec Fireblade under the guidance of new race manager Glen Richards in improved conditions on Thursday.

“We’re frustrated with the weather but it’s not been too bad,” said McGuinness.

“The boys worked really hard to get through the programme of work and we’re heading in the right direction.

“We’re all at similar speeds and I think we’re ready for action.”


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