As the Honda TT Legends team prepares to enter its third year of competition, Honda Motor Europe has revealed a five-strong rider line-up for 2013. The team will once again compete in the Endurance World Championship as well as the Isle of Man TT and the North West 200 road races aboard the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.
Nineteen-time Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness, road racing ace Cameron Donald and 2011 fastest TT newcomer Simon Andrews will remain with the Honda TT Legends for the four-round EWC season. McGuinness will be joined by 13-time NW200 winner and three-time TT victor Michael Rutter and three-time TT winner Michael Dunlop to form a three-man Superbike squad for the TT and the NW200. Rutter will also join the team to complete the four-man EWC rider line-up.
The new-look team was unveiled today at Motorcycle Live in the UK as McGuinness, Andrews, Rutter and Dunlop took to the main stage for a Q&A with TT commentator James Whitham. Cameron Donald was unable to attend as he is at home enjoying the Australian summer. The updated livery for the Honda TT Legends machine was also revealeda tri-colour design that replicates that of the 2013 production Fireblade, re-affirming the close affinity between the race machine and its road-going relative.
Neil Tuxworthteam manager
Were very pleased to have a really strong team both for World Endurance and the road races this year. The team that weve put together for both disciplines means we are in a much stronger position than last year. Bringing Rutter into the EWC team is a very positive addition, hes a rider with a lot of experience, hes quick but also safe and we feel he will improve the strength of the team all round. Looking at the road racing, weve havent run a three-man squad for a number of years now. Its quite significant that not only are we running three riders but we are bringing Michael Dunlop in as one of those three. Hes a young rider that already has three TT wins under his belt and we feel that he is the future of road racing. With Dunlop, McGuinness and Rutterwho of course have both been very successful on the roadswe have a very strong line-up for 2013.
John McGuinnessEWC and road race
Im really pleased to be involved with the team again. For EWC, I know the tracks, I know the bike and were ready to start upping our game even more. Weve done well during the development stage over the last couple of years but this is the year for us to fight for the podium and challenge for the championship. As for the roads, its second nature for me now. I love working with the same crew that Ive been with for so many years. The whole package just works and I dont want to change that. Im ready to get stuck in and hopefully get some more wins.
Michael RutterEWC and road race
Im really excited to be riding with the Honda TT Legends next year. Endurance is not something I have done before so thats going to be a great experience and Im looking forward to seeing what we can do there. Ive obviously got a history with the Louth-based team as I did BSB and the roads with them for a couple of years in 2004/2005, so Im familiar with the Fireblade and I know the crew well. It will be good to be back with the team and Im really happy to back with Honda.
Michael Dunloproad race
This is a big opportunity for me with both Honda and Dunlop and its an honour to be riding for them so Im looking forward to getting started. People are asking me how it will be for me having John as a team-mate but when we get on the bike it will be the same. I get on well with John but I dont worry about anybody else when Im on track. As a team weve got a great line-up with Rutter as well so itll be a pretty good show.
Cameron Donald - EWC
I am excited to be part of the Honda TT Legends team for the 2013 EWC season. Endurance has been a huge learning curve for me as its such a unique discipline of racing. I am confident that the 2013 bike, crew and rider line-up will be more competitive than ever and well hopefully be ready to challenge for podiums from the first race. It's unfortunate that I couldnt be at Motorcycle Live to join my team-mates today but Im at home in Australia. Im looking forward to seeing them all at the racetrack in 2013!
Simon Andrews - EWC
Im looking forward to another season with the team in EWC. I get on well with everyone and its great to have Rutter involved this year too. Were more established now and with some changes to the bike things are looking positive, so were in with a much greater chance. Its a really close knit team and from the outset I think we can improve on our results to better last years fourth place finish.
