Tuesday, December 20 2011
Honda
The Honda TT Legends team will again run two riders in 2012, with 17-times TT winner John McGuinness expected to lead the action. Keith Amor, currently recovering from shoulder surgery, could retain his seat despite rumours that he is retiring.
Padgett’s Racing will continue with Bruce Anstey after a highly successful first season together in 2011. It is also expected that Gary Johnson will line up alongside him, having signed for Honda Racing to contest the National Superstock Championship.
Wilson Craig Racing is expected to continue with their 2011 line up of Cameron Donald and William Dunlop. Dunlop is already confirmed, whilst his brother, Michael, could be making the switch to Honda power for 2012.
Yamaha
Following the signing of a two-year deal at the beginning of 2011, Ian Hutchinson will finally get to lead Yamaha’s attack on the 2012 TT in all classes as he looks to add to his outstanding 8 TT wins.
Suzuki
The TAS Racing TT team is yet to be confirmed, but Guy Martin is expected to re-sign for the Tyco-sponsored team. They could continue with just the one rider or they may to run a two-man squad. As for the second team member, it seems it could potentially be one of this lot: Philip Neil, Michael Dunlop or Gary Johnson.
Kawasaki
Team riders already confirmed: KMR Kawasaki (Ryan Farquhar and Jamie Hamilton), Black Horse Kawasaki (Ian Lougher) and Bournemouth Kawasaki (James Hillier).
Michael Rutter has been linked with a new Bathams-sponsored team, whilst Michael Dunlop and Dan Kneen may continue with Kawasaki machines in their privately-run efforts.
Ducati
The JMF Millsport squad have announced they will be returning to the sport after a two-year break with the all new 1199 Ducati Panigale machine in both Superbike and Superstock specification. Their one rider squad could potentially consist of one of this lot: Michael Dunlop, Michael Rutter, Conor Cummins, Simon Andrews, Dan Kneen or Steve Mercer.
MV Agusta
The World Performance Racing team will be headed up by Neil Haslam- Simon Andrews and Dan Stewart could also be on the radar.
Aprilia
British Superbike team Splitlath intends to run at least two riders in 2012- and could run as many as 4- although they could yet switch to a different manufacturer. Miller is expected to remain with the squad, but as yet, whether there will be any other rider signings are unclear.
BMW
Rico Penzkofer will again run BMW in 2012 as he looks to get back on form. Paul Shoesmith will also be on a BMW with his Ice Valley-backed team and will field at least two additional riders with Dean Harrison and Sandor Bitter likely candidates for these two seats.
Triumph
The British Supersport team Oxford Products/TAG Racing have been in talks with the TT organisers about running a one rider team in the two Supersport Races of the 2012 event. Potential riders include Simon Andrews and Conor Cummins.
KTM
Run by the British Redline Motorcycles team, a pair of RC8Rs could be ridden by Antonio Maeso and another rider who has yet to be confirmed- Ben Wylie is believed to be in mind.
Norton
Their entry in 2012 remains in doubt, but they are believed to be building a V4 Moto GP-spec 1000cc bike with an FTR chassis, any riders for the project are unknown.
