2016 ISLE OF MAN TT SIDECAR RACE: HOLDEN/WINKLE BACK TO FORM IN OPENING SIDE

The Formula Two Sidecar class enjoyed their first qualifying session at the 2016 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy, which followed on from the solo session.

The session got underway shortly after the scheduled 7.55pm start time in great conditions and John Holden/Andrew Winkle, who were reunited this year after Winkle’s enforced absence with injury last year, were quickly on the pace.

The Lancashire pair, who won their only TT Race to date in 2011, were quickly out of the blocks and opened up with a lap of 112.055 (20:12.158), the fastest of the night, which they followed up with a second lap of 111.97 which was the second fastest in the session.

Also going well were the father and son team of Ian and Carl Bell. Ian Bell is clearly relishing his return to the Mountain Course, building on their near 113mph lap in 2015 with a pair of 111mph laps, the third and fourth fastest of the session.  Ian Bell recorded his first and only TT win in 2003 and returned to the TT after an 11 year absence in 2014.

They were the only two outfits to break the 110mph barrier with last year’s double winners, Ben and Tom Birchall, third quickest at 108.981mph. Alan Founds/Aki Aalto were also above the 108mph barrier with Tim Reeves/Patrick Farrance overcoming early problems to get in two laps, the quickest at 107.023mph.

17-times winner Dave Molyneux, with Dan Sayle back in the chair, were reported as an early retirement at Ramsey Hairpin and while there is still plenty of time with dry weather anticipated for the rest of the week, the Manx duo will be keen to get some track time in tomorrow’s session.