"It will be fantastic to see KTM competing for the first time on the Isle of Man and how appropriate that they will be lining up on the grid with Suzuki who are celebrating their 50th anniversary of racing at the TT. It shows the continued strength and enduring appeal of the TT Races and I hope that KTM will have a long and successful TT history," said hon Martyn Quayle, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, Isle of Man Government.
Racing the RC8R machine will be former Virgin R6 Cup rider, James Edmeades. The 26-year old is no stranger to the TT having ridden in the 2006, 2007 and 2008 events. Edmeades will also campaign the bike in this year's British Superbike Evo Championship.
"The opportunity to become the first KTM rider at the Isle of Man TT Races is a tremendous honour for me and after the three great years I enjoyed between 2006 and 2008, I can't wait to get back on the Island. The KTM RC8R is a superb bike and I'm sure it will perform well around the course with its excellent handling qualities," Edmeades said in a release.
"I was carrying an injury when I was last at the TT and didn't perform as I would have liked which is something I'm keen to put right this year. I'm sure both myself and the team will give a good account of ourselves and further prove the capabilities of the KTM Superbike machine."
KTM will join BMW, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki at this year's TT, discussions with other leading manufacturers not currently represented at the TT are close to being finalised.
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