 |
|
 |
 |
Written by Barry Symmons on February 16, 2007 at 12:02
MV Agusta to make historic TT return for Centenary Races- Irish star Finnegan to ride factory supported machine in TT Superstock RaceIconic Italian motorcycle marque MV Agusta, will renew it’s association with the Isle of Man TT Races in 2007 by entering the Superstock Race with factory supported machinery. 2005 TT Superbike podium finisher and double Irish Senior Road Race Champion, Martin Finnegan from Lusk in Ireland will ride an MV Agusta F4 1000cc machine in the prestigious four-lap Superstock TT Race on Monday June 4th.Finnegan will turn back the clocks if he can achieve success with the 4 cylinder machine, reminding those TT fans who can remember, of MV’s glory days during the 60’s, where they enjoyed much success with legendary riders like Provini, Surtees, Hailwood and of course Agostini. MV Agusta have been successful in winning races around the Mountain Circuit on 34 occasions, the last two coming over 30 years ago, when Giacomo Agostini took a Junior / Senior double, in his and MV’s final year at the TT.Recently, MV have made a successful return to competitive racing, contesting selected rounds of the 2006 European Superstock Championship winning two races and ending the season with two riders in the top four in the Championship. MV Agusta’s will also be used in several domestic Championships in 2007, including Britain, Italy, Germany and the USA.President of MV Agusta Mr Claudio Castiglioni, hopes to fly to the Isle of Man for the Centenary event, to follow Finnegan’s progressSpeaking about the news, rider Martin Finnegan commented:“It is a great honour to be given the chance to become part of the MV Agusta story and I am looking forward to riding the F4 1000 around the Mountain Circuit. I have already travelled to Italy to visit the factory and I was very impressed with what I saw. The bikes have already proved to be highly competitive and I am confident that I can achieve success riding them at the 2007 TT.”President of MV Agusta Mr Claudio Castiglioni added:“The TT is a significant part of MV Agusta’s history and we are delighted to be contesting the event once more in this, the most important and prestigious of years for the event. We believe that Martin Finnegan will prove to be an excellent choice as rider and we look forward to a successful partnership with him in 2007.”TT and Motorsport Development Manager, Paul Phillips said:“From our prospective as race promoters, this is tremendous news. To have another manufacturer commit to the event is always important, and it is somewhat poignant, that in 2007, a year when the TT’s history will be so fondly remembered, one of the most synonymous names in that history is returning. We wish MV Agusta and Martin Finnegan the best of luck in their endeavours at TT 2007.” Barry Symmons MV Co-ordinator for Team added.I very much hope that we can repeat the Norton experience and give MV their first win in the Island for over 30 years. We have the rider and machinery and factory mechanics, now the work begins. My thanks to Alan Cathcart for his assistance in helping to bring about what must be every TT fan’s dream, since Hailwood last raced Agostini. A truly, exciting day for the TT.Ends -
|
|
|
|
