TT: Hutchinson signs for Padgett's

Ian Hutchinson has firmed up his road racing plans for 2009 after announcing a deal to ride a Padgett's Honda at the Isle of Man TT and North West 200.

Hutchinson, who raced in the British Supersport Championship in 2008 and finished seventh in the Macau Grand Prix riding an Aviva Kawasaki, is looking to recapture the form that saw him win the 2007 Junior TT title.

Riding new 600cc Supersport and 1000cc Superstock machines, Hutchinson will be competing on the same Honda Fireblade that John McGuinness took to victory in last year's Senior TT for the Superbike classes. It will, however, be upgraded to 2009-specification.

Although he is yet to secure a ride in the British Championship, Hutchinson was pleased to have at least acquired a competitive package for the road races.

"I'm delighted to have joined Clive (Padgett's) team for 2009 and everything is now in place for me to challenge for the race wins again at the International road races. I'd secured a ride before heading off to Macau but when I got back it all fell through so I spoke to Clive just before Christmas and he has now given me the perfect set-up, practically identical to what I had in 2007, so I can't wait to get started.

"We have known each other for a long time and having seen him work with John for the last two years I know no stone will be left unturned and he will give me everything I need to run at the front."

"I hope to build on my success at the TT and I'm firmly focused on the year ahead. I'm pleased to be associated with Bike Devil and Dunlop tyres again after a successful year with them both in 2007 and although I have yet to secure a ride in the British Championship, my immediate focus is on the North West 200 and TT.

"I'm training hard and have a full schedule of pre-season testing planned, alongside the other Honda riders' and it's a superb deal for me."