Former Irish Superbike Champion Michael Pearson has already begun his 2013 TT debut preparations with a visit to the island.

The Lisburn rider spent two days under the tutelage of John Barton and Milky Quayle, lapping the 37.73-mile circuit and beginning to work on details.

"The weekend was very helpful indeed, and I must thank those involved for all their help in getting me over and putting me up, and to Johnny and Richard for showing me the TT circuit. I had a bit of an idea as to the direction, but once you are there and see the tarmac that you will be racing one under your feet, well, it's totally different," said Pearson.

"It looks really exciting and very smooth most of the way round, and it is a circuit that I think I can become attached to very quickly, but I am under no doubt that I am not going to be a TT hero or anything like it in the near future. For me, my aim would be to start each race and finish each race.

"I am not bothered where I finish, but its a place that you need to treat with respect and the more laps you get in the better I beleive you will acustom yourself to the circuit. Hopefully I can get over for another scouting trip before the TT races, but one thing is for sure, and that is I am loking forward to the challenge.

Pearson will ride under the Hotties Thermal Pack Road Racing Team banner in 2013. He will be supplied with a Superstock BMW S1000RR, and a GSX-R Suzuki Supersport 600. Along with this, Pearson will also have an ER6 Kawasaki 650 Supertwin at his disposal thanks to Rod Lee Motorcycles in North Yorkshire.