Ian Hutchinson confirms TT return

Yorkshireman reuniting with Milenco by Padgett's

Sixteen-time race winner Ian Hutchinson says he WILL be returning to the Isle of Man TT for 2024.

The Yorkshireman is reuniting with his former team Milenco by Padgett's Motorcycles - the team with which he became the first rider to win five races in a single week back in 2010.

The fourth most successful rider in the race's history missed out on TT 2023 after suffering a stroke back in February.

He returned to training within weeks, but standard protocol meant his racing licence had to be revoked for 12 months.

In December, Hutchinson told BBC Sport Northern Ireland he was 'hoping to get something together in the new year' and is optimistic about regaining his racing licence in the coming months.

He said: "I'm still waiting to get my licence back from the ACU in March but I have been doing some instructing and have passed all the tests they wanted me to do."

His pending return this year means he'll contest the RST Superbike, RL360 Superstock, and Milwaukee Senior TT Races on board the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, and the two Monster Energy Supersport Races on the new CBR600RR.

In a statement, Ian Hutchinson says: "I’m really pleased to be back with Clive and the team. I think that the way that I work and the team works just fits right. Clive puts together a bike you know you can get on and ride fast straightaway. With injuries, COVID and missing last year, I don’t feel as though I’ve had a good run at the TT since 2017 and so it’s ideal to be with the team that can let me get the laps which is what I need."

"We’ve already been out testing in Spain and we’re back out again to Portugal and Spain in the next few weeks, plus we’ve plenty more track time in the run up to TT so I’m really looking forward to what 2024 can bring."

Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles Team Principal Clive Padgett says: "We’re absolutely delighted to have Ian back into the Padgett’s racing family. We’ve a long, enjoyable and highly successful relationship that goes back many, many years and it’s an honour to be back working together again across all the classes."

 "He’s had one hell of a journey since that incredible year in 2010, but there is no denying the man’s determination and I don’t think you can ever rule him out of getting a top finish. I truly believe in him but regardless of the results, I think having him back with the team is just a fantastic story for the sport and for the TT."