Ex-BBC MotoGP anchor man Matt Roberts will present this evening’s TT launch at the Villa Marina.

Roberts, who now fronts Eurosport’s coverage of the World Superbike and British Superbike Championship, replaces James Whitham with the latter now unable to attend the event.

Roberts will host alongside ITV4 commentator Steve Plater, himself a two-time TT winner including his memorable Senior success win in 2009.

The event, which is streamed online at iomtt.com, features many of the top solo riders including Michael Dunlop, John McGuinness and Ian Hutchinson as well the leading sidecar competitors.

l Can’t make it to the Villa tonight? Fear not we’ll be tweeting @iomsportsdesk from just before 8pm