Rain on the Isle of Man has forced Manx Grand Prix organisers to cancel the first practice of the 2011 festival, which had been scheduled to get underway at 17.20 with the marshal-controlled newcomers untimed session.

The cancellation was announced at a little before 15.30 and we are waiting for details on when or if it will be re-run. There was also meant to be a Senior, Junior, Supertwin, plus Classic, Classic Superbike, Jun P/Classic, Lightweight and All Newcomers (untimed) from 19.00.

“Based on the weather report received from the Met Office we decided to call the session off early to give people plenty of notice and minimise disruption. I want to pay tribute to the Marshals who had committed to man the session and I was keen to let everyone know in plenty of time," said clerk of the course Phil Taubman.

Saturday’s practice session, albeit reduced in time, will now take place on Monday evening with the newcomers leading the session out from 6.20pm in a speed controlled lap followed by Senior, Junior, Supertwins and the final session, the Classic Superbikes, Junior Post Classic and Lightweights.