TT2012: Hutchinson ironing out set-up issues on R1

Swan Yamaha's Ian Hutchinson got in six laps of vital set-up time ahead of Friday's Isle of Man blue riband Senior TT as he claimed an eighth pace in Saturday's Superbike race.

It was Hutchinson's first competitive race at the TT since he broke his leg following a crash at Silverstone in 2010.

The Bingley man was able to gather essential data on the World Superbike-spec R1 and will now collate the vital information with crew chief Pete Jennings to make improvements to the bike for Friday's showpiece on the Isle of Man.

Hutchinson feels the suspension is still too stiff to enable him to complete fast laps on the Mountain Course.

"We were really up against it yesterday. There are lots of other riders and teams who have been using the same bike for the last four or five years around here, so they know exactly what they need and when," he said.

"We have had only four days and losing Friday's session certainly didn't help. I will get together will Pete and see where we can make some changes to the setup.

"We need to make the bike much softer in order to cope with the bumps around the island but I'm confident we can do better in Friday's Senior," added Hutchy.

"We can also adapt what we have learned to the Superstock and Supersport bikes."

Team principal, Shaun Muir, added: "It was a fantastic first ride back on the island for Ian, considering all he has been through over the past 18 months.

"We will get some alterations made to not only the Superbike but also to his other Yamahas ready for the rest of the week.

"I am over the moon with the result and hope to make some further progress before Friday."