Honda’s John McGuinness is in a far more confident mood ahead of next weekend’s Vauxhall North West 200 following a successful test with team-mate Conor Cummins at Castle Combe.

The Castle Combe test was the first time that McGuinness has ridden on track since injuring his wrist in training just over six weeks ago. The 20-time Isle of Man TT winner has been undergoing intensive physiotherapy and was able to quickly regain his confidence aboard the Fireblade SP.

“It’s great to get together with my road racing team, who are like family to me. It was looking like we weren’t going to get much done on Wednesday but all of a sudden the sun came out and we got a day’s work done in the afternoon,” said McGuinness.

“I made a massive step forward with regards to getting on the bike after my injury. After my enduro crash I thought my season was over so I’m made up with how good I felt on the bike. I’m going home feeling much more confident about the North West and the TT and I can’t wait to ride my Fireblade in anger again.”