Roads: Guy Martin: "Tyco were brilliant, but Honda is the best chance of winning a big bike race"

Guy Martin’s return to the Isle of Man TT with Honda Racing marks a big kick in the teeth for the Tyco-backed TAS squad he’s raced for since 2011. 

Team owners Philip and Hector Neill had always said they’d have a bike available for Guy to ride should he wish to return to the TT, and the racer turned TV star had always said if he was to return to the roads it would be with the Northern Irish team.

However, after an offer from the Louth-based Honda Racing outfit tempted Guy away as he returns to the mountain course in 2017 in search of that elusive TT win.  

When asked why he defected, Martin praised the Tyco BMW squad but said he thought the Honda offer was his best chance yet to clinch a big bike win. 

READ MORE ON GUY’S SHOCK TT RETURN

• Roads: Guy Martin returns to TT with Honda Racing
• Video: Guy on why he’s coming back to the TT
• Roads: McGuinness: ‘New Blade will close gap to Hutchy and Dunlop’
• In this week’s issue: Guy signs for Honda

“I did say a few times that if I ever went back racing, it would be with TAS. As a team, they’re f**king brilliant,” he said. “I don’t have a straight answer to why I’m not with them, other than that it’s a Honda. It’s alright winning Superstock and Supersport and all that, but Honda are the best chance of winning a big race.

“I spoke to Hector and Phillip – I’ve been putting it off and putting it off, but spoke to them on the way here, just to say. Hector says we can still go out for a beer, so we’re alright. They’re great guys, and I don’t want to burn any bridges with them.” 

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