British Superbike and World Endurance regular Steve Plater has landed in the Isle of Man for this year's TT but has no pretensions about winning any races this year - he's out there to learn and improve.
Last year he took the Best Newcomer Award and was credited with the fastest ever lap by a newcomer in the history of the TT. Asked of his prospects and expectations for this year he said: “I have no expectations, I will be doing my best, that goes without saying but I very much doubt I will get on the podium let alone win a race.

“The TT course is 37.73-miles long and takes a fair bit of learning, it takes years not months and I will certainly not be looking to claim the lap record. The TT course is still a learning curve for me and as long as I can keep improving I will be happy enough.”

Plater will have a start number of 10 this year and said: “I started out last year with number 31 and at the end of the week was moved up to 11 for the Senior TT. The numbers are issued in order of merit with the fastest riders going off first, so to be starting my races from 10th place is fine by me.”

After a week of practice Plater, riding the AIM Yamaha R1 will line up for the start of the six-lap Dainese TT Superbike race on Saturday, May 31 at noon.

Next up will be the four-lap Scottish Life International TT Superstock event in which Plater will be riding his own R1 Yamaha sponsored by Nitro Helmets. The race is set for a 10.45am start on Monday, June 2. He will then hop onto the AIM Yamaha R6 for the Relentless Supersport Junior TT run over four laps starting at 1.15pm the same day.