Milwaukee Yamaha’s Ian Hutchinson has been added to the list of stars riding at this year’s Ulster Grand Prix and believes he stands a good chance of getting among the top spots.

The Bingley man has started to find his feet again in the MCE British Superbike Championship and has got some consistent results under his belt which stand him in good stead for the fastest race in the world.

“I’ve got a couple of BSB rounds now and then I’m looking forward to getting out at Dundrod. It’s easily my favourite road circuit and I’ve had some fantastic days racing there,” said Hutchinson.

“My leg is pretty good and my bike fitness is getting better and better with every race. I didn’t realise until this year that the strength just wasn’t there when I was racing. I felt fit but not strong.

“This season is the first where I haven’t felt like I’m battling an illness and I’m I think I’m in good shape, but it’s still been fairly difficult on the roads so far. We only had two BSB races before the North West and then I crashed on the Tuesday and missed a full day of practice.

“Race day was a bit too wet for us so it didn’t really go to plan either and I think the TT led on from that. It was a bit disappointing really.

“I think the expectation I’ve put on myself hasn’t helped, but things are looking up now as BSB is coming along. My lap times are improving and it’s such a competitive class. Macau at the end of last year was a big confidence boost too as it proved you never forget how to ride a bike.

“I need to get back to the front and I’d like to be in contention for the podium, but I’ll keep working away no matter what happens. You wouldn’t come back from injuries like mine if you didn’t think you could do it. It’s the same Yamaha I ride in BSB so I know the bike and I think it will be well suited to the circuit.”