Guy Martin buoyed by Tyco Suzuki deal

Guy admits it's high time he finally forced his way onto the top step of the podium at the Isle of Man TT.

Martin, who flew into Northern Ireland on Friday and officially signed his contract with the Tyco Suzuki team for the 2012 international road races, was speaking for the first time since he finalised the deal at the TAS Racing base in Moneymore.

"It's taken a while, but it was always on the cards," said Martin, who is entering his second spell with the team. "I'm happy to be back with the team for a second year and I love the new Tyco Suzuki colours - great job.

"I couldn't knock last year to be honest; the only thing we didn't do was win a TT, but hopefully we'll put that right in June. That's the box we want to tick. The North West and Ulster are great events but it's a TT win I really want.

"The team is good enough, the bikes are good enough and I believe the rider is good enough, so it's time to go out and bloody win one!"

Martin's signature completes Tyco Suzuki's international road racing line-up for 2012, although the pair will be joined by Alastair Seeley at the North West 200 on May 19.

Seeley, who will ride in the British Superbike Championship for the team with Josh Brookes, is the event favourite at the North West - the only road race the Ulster rider competes in.

Team manager Philip Neill said he always remained confident Martin would sign on the dotted line, despite a delay in completing the deal.

"After all the speculation it's nice to finally be able to officially announce that Guy Martin will continue to race for TAS in 2012 in the new Tyco Suzuki livery," he said.

"I think we both knew that it was going to happen. We made a verbal agreement to each other last August at the Ulster Grand Prix, but all the speculation has brought great publicity for our sponsors, the team and Suzuki, which is great. But I suppose when Guy gets out of bed these days he gets media coverage.

"He's a hard man to pin down with such a busy schedule, but with Conor on board and now Guy I think we have strong team looking ahead to the three internationals. Guy proved last year that he has all the ingredients required to go all out for that TT win in June. It's eluded him so far, but we'll go all out together to make it happen.

"He's not just the most popular rider in the UK these days, but also very popular outside the sport, which is good for motorcycling in general. Everyone at TAS, Suzuki, Tyco and existing sponsors like Ian Glen from Beacon are delighted to see him stay for a second year," added Neill.

"And as I said before, along with Conor and our BSB duo of Seeley and Brookes, I feel it can be a successful season for Tyco Suzuki."