It's been confirmed to Manx Radio.....absolute lap record holder John McGuinness will ride directly for the Honda factory team at next year's T.T..

The racer from Morecambe will also represent the Japanese manufacturer at the Northwest 200, Ulster Grand Prix and in the British Superstock Championship.

McGuinness has eight T.T. victories to his name, and became the fastest ever man around the Mountain Course during the 2004 Formula One race at 127.68 m.p.h..

Today's news also heralds the full-time return of Honda to the T.T..

FROM MANX RADIO