Cameron Donald returns to Dundrod after year's absence

Wilson Craig Honda star Cameron Donald is back at the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix this year after missing the international road race in 2012.

The Australian rider was absent from the entry at Dundrod last August due to his commitments with Honda TT Legends team in the Endurance World Championship.

Donald, who finished as the runner-up on Northern Ireland team owner Craig's Honda Fireblade in the Superbike race at the Isle of Man TT in June, is having his first run out on the Honda machines since the TT.

He is one of only eight riders who have lapped the 7.4-mile circuit in excess of 133mph and on his last visit in 2011 finished on the rostrum in the second Supersport race behind Michael and William Dunlop.

Donald tested Craig's Honda machines at Kirkistown in Co Down on Monday and said afterwards he was 'fired up' for Saturday's main races.

"We were doing a bit of testing at Kirkistown and we got on quite well - we just took out the 600 and the Superbike," he said.

"I hadn't rode either bike since the TT so it was good to get back on the bikes and get some time on them again.

"I'm really excited about getting back out there at Dundrod, I really am. I always enjoyed racing there and after riding the bikes today I'm even more fired up now because the bikes are working really well," Donald told the Belfast News Letter.

"I'm very much looking forward to getting out there and getting myself familiarised with the course.

"The Wilson Craig Honda 600 is very fast and I'd like to think that if I can get away with the boys at the start we should definitely be up there on the 600. I've got big hopes for both classes really."

Donald intends to sit out the Superstock race on Saturday to concentrate on the two Superbike and Supersport events.

He is among a dazzling array of top riders set to compete in the inaugural Classic TT races, which take place from Friday, August 24 and run until Monday, August 26.