TT 2016: Michael Dunlop turns screw with sizzling 131mph lap

Michael Dunlop made a statement of intent as the Ulster rider blazed a trail around the Isle of Man TT Mountain Course to set the first 131mph lap of practice week.
Michael Dunlop on the Hawk Racing BMW at Ballagarey during practice for the Isle of Man TT on Wednesday evening.Michael Dunlop on the Hawk Racing BMW at Ballagarey during practice for the Isle of Man TT on Wednesday evening.
Michael Dunlop on the Hawk Racing BMW at Ballagarey during practice for the Isle of Man TT on Wednesday evening.

The 11-time winner, who never managed a lap on the Hawk Racing BMW on Tuesday evening after stopping at Sarah’s Cottage, was on a mission as he scaled the Superbike summit with a stunning speed of 131.574mph (17m 12.331s) to head the times from Tyco BMW’s Ian Hutchinson, who clocked 130.691mph (17m 19.310s).

Bingley Bullet Hutchinson though went even quicker on his Superstock machine, heading the leaderboard at an incredible 130.745mph.

Honda Racing’s John McGuinness bagged his first 130mph lap on the CBR1000RR Fireblade at 130.497mph, with team-mate Conor Cummins solid again on the times sheets with a lap of 129.764mph to slot into fourth.

Bradford rider Dean Harrison was the top Kawasaki at 129.742mph while the experienced Michael Rutter rounded out the top six in the Superbike charts with a lap of 129.163mph on the Bathams SMT BMW.

Bruce Anstey was seventh quickest on the Honda RC213V-S at 128.833mph.

Fermanagh’s Lee Johnston set his fastest time so far on the East Coast/Burdens BMW at 128.092mph while William Dunlop managed 126.633mph for his fastest lap on his new Yamaha R1.

Hutchinson was clear in the Superstock times following his sizzling lap on the Tyco BMW, with Rutter in second (129.204mph) and Michael Dunlop third fastest on his MD Racing BMW at 128.850mph, set from a standing start.

Northern Ireland rider Johnston was the leading Supersport rider on his East Coast/Burdens Triumph (123.397mph).