Qualifying for the Festival of Motorcycling gets underway on Saturday evening, weather permitting, at 5.20pm, one hour earlier than at the TT.

Roads will officially close between 5pm and 9pm, but if that is postponed a Sunday afternoon session will be utilised for the first time in the event’s history between 12.45 and 5.30pm at the latest.

The first session will begin with a speed controlled lap for all newcomers (Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT).

That will be followed by a timed session for Senior/Junior MGP and Lightweight/Superbike Classic TT competitiors (no newcomers).

Between 6.35 and 7.30pm there will be a session for Junior/Senior Classics and Lightweight/Ultra-Lightweight MGP competitors (again no newcomers).

The final portion of the evening from 7.35 will be for selected experienced riders and newcomers (the latter untimed).

Practising will continue each weekday evening next week, with road closures between 6pm and 9pm at the latest.

A new contingency plan is in place to run afternoon sessions on Thursday and/or Friday next week between 12.30 and 4.30 if required.

Further practising will take place on Saturday week, August 25, either before, between the Senior Classic TT (11.30am) and Lightweight Classic TT (3.30pm). Road closures that day are between 11am and no later than 9pm.

Monday, August 27, will include the final two Classic TT races and the Newcomers’ Manx Grand Prix, with roads closed between 9.30am and no later than 9pm.

The Junior Classic TT will commence at 10.15am, with the Superbike Classic TT at 2pm and the Newcomers MGP at 5.15pm. Once more, qualifying sessions for the MGP will take place inbetween the various races.

The Classic Racer Magazine Classic TT Lap of Honour will take place at approximately 4.10pm that day.

l More on the Festival of Motorcycling on pages 62 and 71.