- Ducati secure a dominant 1-2-3 in the Formula 1 Classic TT qualifying session.
- Rob Hodson sets the fastest lap of the night at 125.810mph, edging out Davey Todd.
- Adam McLean, Dan Sayle, and Jamie Coward lead the Historic and Lightweight categories.
Ducati Lead the Way at Classic TT Qualifying
The long-awaited return of the Classic TT roared into life on Wednesday evening, and Ducati wasted no time in stamping their authority on the Mountain Course. It was a dream start for the Italian marque, securing a 1-2-3 in the Formula 1 Classic class as Davey Todd and Mike Browne both lapped in excess of 124mph, while Rob Hodson topped the session with a blistering 125.810mph.
Cool but dry conditions greeted riders for the opening qualifying session, and the pace was fierce from the outset. Browne set the early benchmark at 124.461mph before retiring at Ballig Bridge, leaving Hodson and Todd to trade blows at the top of the leaderboard. Hodson’s late flyer secured him the fastest lap of the night, just ahead of Todd, with Nathan Harrison improving to 123.147mph for fourth overall. Michael Dunlop, debuting the WizNorton, managed a 117.705mph lap to sit 12th fastest.
Lightweight Classic Action
Dan Sayle led the way in the Lightweight Classic class, clocking 115.183mph to edge Michael Dunlop (113.492mph) and Stuart Hall (112.160mph). Despite later challenges, Sayle’s lap was good enough to hold onto top spot by session’s end, with Mike Browne and Dunlop completing the top three.
Historic Senior Highlights
Adam McLean impressed on the Flitwick Motorcycles Royal Enfield, posting a standout 111.001mph lap to head the Historic Senior leaderboard. Veteran John McGuinness wasn’t far behind on the Winfield Paton at 108.817mph, narrowly ahead of Shaun Anderson and Dean Harrison, both also running at strong 108mph pace. Maria Costello produced a solid lap at 95.899mph, later pushed down the order when Mike Browne slotted into sixth with a late 104.433mph run.
Historic Junior Battle
The Historic Junior class delivered close competition, with Jamie Coward shining on the Ted Woof/Craven Classic Honda. After Dean Harrison briefly topped the charts at 101.711mph, Coward responded with 102.935mph to end the session fastest. Will Loder also impressed, moving into third with 98.155mph.
Classic TT Return – A Ducati Statement
The opening night’s action confirmed Ducati as the team to beat in the Formula 1 Classic category, while Sayle, McLean, and Coward set the tone in their respective classes. With fast laps and fierce competition across the board, the Classic TT’s return promises a thrilling week of racing on the Isle of Man.
For further info, head to www.iomttraces.com/classic/
