By Phil Wain
October 6 2005

John McGuinness has today confirmed that he has signed a one-year deal with the factory HM Plant Honda squad to spearhead the Japanese manufacturer’s assault at the Isle of Man TT, North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix. The deal represents HM Plant’s first full venture into pure road racing as a title sponsor and, in addition, the former British Champion will contest the British Superstock Championship, thus giving Honda their best ever chance of claiming the title that has so far eluded them.

Having already won eight TTs, McGuinness will have a great chance of extending that total in 2006 as he will have a Honda FireBlade built to the identical specification of the full factory Honda machines that will be campaigned in the British Superbike series. He will be able to use the Superbike as soon as winter testing begins, and throughout the season, clear indication of Honda’s aims. Indeed, the 31-year old will go into the season as the favourite on the pure roads, and few would bet against him from dominating proceedings in all classes, Superbikes, Supersport and Superstock. It certainly promises to be an exciting year for the Morecambe man and his new Honda team.

Speaking about the new deal, a clearly delighted John commented: “I’m over the moon to have signed this deal and join Honda, without doubt the biggest and most successful manufacturer in road racing. I got talking to Neil (Tuxworth) quite a while ago actually, and it didn’t take too long for us to come to an agreement. It was just a question of waiting for the right time to announce it.”

“I’m really excited about 2006, and can’t wait for the new season to come around. I’ll have the best machinery at my disposal, and look forward to adding to my total of TT wins, and having success on all of the road courses. The British Championships are equally important to me though, and I’ll be looking to give a good account of myself in the Superstock class - winning my second British title is definitely the aim.”

John will operate alongside the official British Superbike team, and a full programme of winter testing is expected to be announced soon.