I reckon it was just a tall order to get a brand new bike up to TT winning standard in its first season. The now supposed almighty BMW didn't do much until last year save for a few results with Keith Amor. Also it sounds to me like MD always had this contingency plan in mind just in case practice wasn't going well. He doesn't seem like the type to write off the prospect of winning any big bike TTs for a year ....

Anyway he looked committed last night - if he gets 3 laps in tonight there will be fireworks tomorrow. Just hope Bruce is at the pointy end on L1. That will keep manners on everyone else.