Yamaha Back to Isle of Man TT with Ian Hutchinson

Deciding to switch from Honda to its Japanese rival for this year's motorcycle racing season, Ian Hutchinson has recently signed a two-year deal with Yamaha, which is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its debut at the 2011 Isle of Man TT. In 2010, Hutchinson became the first racer to win five TT races in a single event, winning the Senior TT, Superstock and two Supersport races.

This move also marks Yamaha’s first full factory effort since 1973. In addition to Hutchinson, Yamaha will back Shaun Muir Racing to compete as the Swan Yamaha team.

As for the machines, Hutchinson will ride a full works spec YZF-R1 in the Superbike class, while Shaun Muir Racing will supply an R1 for the Superstock class and an R6 for the Supersport class.

“The TT Races has been a huge part of Yamaha’s development as a company over the last 50 years and we are delighted to have Ian on board to spearhead our challenge in 2011 as he has proved himself to be one of the leading TT riders,” Yamaha Motor UK Ltd Marketing Manager Simon Belton said in a release.

“We are delighted that Yamaha has increased their commitment to the TT Races and it is a sign of the event’s growing strength that we now have factory supported teams from all four leading Japanese manufacturers as well as many other leading European brands,” said Isle of Man Economic Development Minister Allan Bell.

In addition to the TT, the team is planning to run at the Macau and Ulster Grands Prix, the North West 200 and may race in the British Supersport Championship as well.