Honda TT Legend John McGuinness was beaten to the provisional pole spot for Saturday's North West 200 by a blistering lap from Alastair Seeley and the veteran admits to some nerves after missing last year's event.

The Morecambe Missile was on World Endurance duty at this time last year so wasn't able to take part - not that he missed much anyway - but says yesterday was good to get back into the nine-mile triangle groove.

"It’s been a really good first day. We were lucky with the weather as there was a heavy hailstorm just before the sessions started but it dried out pretty quick and we were able to do most of qualifying without any rain. It started again just at the end of the last practice, but we got a good run in," said McGuinness.

"I was a bit nervous heading out after missing the event last year, but as soon as I got out there all the years of riding here came flooding back and I really enjoyed it. We’re up there in second and competitive in the Superbike class so it’s been a good day."