Sunday’s qualifying session for the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling (Classic TT Races and Manx Grand Prix) has been cancelled.

After only a speed-controlled lap for newcomers took place yesterday evening (Saturday) as a result of adverse weather conditions. it has been decided at an early stage to cancel the alternate session today in order to minimise disruption to everyone - competitors, marshals and the general public.

In at statement, clerk of the course Gary Thompson commented, ‘The TT Marshals’ Association did an outstanding job yesterday to get marshals in place for last night’s first qualifying session, and I am very grateful to all that turned out last night.

‘Although the start of the session was delayed because we had to move a number of marshals around the TT Course, we were thwarted by a shower of rain which severely affected the west coast of the island.

‘Last night, I made the decision that we would use this afternoon to run a full qualifying session, but having reviewed the marshal numbers for today, it is very clear we will be 80+ short of the manning levels required for the TT Course.

‘What I don’t want to do is close the road, get everyone in place, have everyone waiting and then find we can’t hold the qualifying session, so we have decided to give everyone plenty of notice and cancel today’s session and concentrate on getting Marshal numbers in place for Monday night.’

Roads are due to close at 6pm on Monday evening for the first practice/qualifying session which is due to get underway at 6.20pm with the Classic TT Superbikes/Lightweights and the MGP Senior/Juniors followed by the Classic TT Seniors/Juniors and the MGP Lightweights/Ultra Lightweights at 7.15pm with a separate MGP Newcomers practice at 7.45pm.

Roads are due to open all around the course around 8.30pm but no later than 9pm.