Hot on the heels of Klaus Klaffenbock, another former World Champion is set to make his TT debut in the shape of French rider Laurent Brian, who is the latest top European rider signed up to make his debut at the Isle of Man TT Races. The twenty nine year old won the 2001 World Endurance crown when he rode for the official works Suzuki-SERT endurance team, alongside Scotsman Brian Morrison and fellow Frenchman Christian Lavielle and he can boast a very impressive CV.

Laurent has gained vast experience on the World stage riding for Suzuki in 2001 and 2002, taking victories in the Bol D’Or 24 Hour, Spa 24 Hour, Assen 6 Hour and Brands Hatch 6 Hour World Endurance events. He also had wild card outings in the World Supersport Championship in 2002, scoring points, and the World Superbike Championship in 2004. Laurent became French PromoSport Champion in 2000 and, more recently, has been competing for the experienced Yamaha Endurance Moto 38 team and Team Bolliger in World Endurance, scoring numerous top 8 positions. Laurent has been wanting to compete at the TT for a few years now and finally gets to realise his ambition in less than six seeks time, an opportunity he is really looking forward to.

Having confirmed his TT debut Laurent said:

“For many years, I have considered racing at the Isle of Man TT, and I have spoken to many riders including my former team mate Brian Morrison and current TT rider Bruno Bonhuil about the event. In the past my commitments in World Endurance have meant that it would not be possible to compete, but this year I am contesting the French domestic series and thanks to the organisers the opportunity to race on the famous TT Circuit, has become a reality. There was an issue regarding machinery, which is now resolved, and I cannot wait to make my debut in six weeks time.”

TT Team and Rider Liaison Officer Paul Phillips added:

“We have been talking to Laurent for some time, and placed a provisional entry for him earlier in the year. There was a chance that he might not make the TT at one stage, due to problems securing appropriate machinery, but that is now sorted out and we are delighted to be confirming his appearance at TT 2005. To have another former World Champion in the entry is a massive boost, and although he is still only twenty nine, Laurent has a lot of experience, and should develop into a terrific TT rider in the years to come.”

David Cretney MHK, Minister for the Department of Tourism and Leisure and Chairman of the TT Co-ordinating Committee said:

“The news surrounding Laurent Brian is the icing on the cake for what is already a truly fabulous entry for this years TT races. To have two former World Champion’s involved is great news for TT fans and should help get the message out to motor cycle racing enthusiasts everywhere, that the Isle of Man TT is an event on the up. I am delighted with how the preparations for TT 2005 have gone, and with the event now just around the corner, I can’t wait for it all to begin for another year.”