16 teams confirmed for 'green' TT

Electric bikes will compete in the event

Sixteen teams from seven different countries have already registered to take part in what is being billed as motorsport's first "green" grand prix.

The Isle of Man TTXGP event, on 12 June, will see 24 motorcycles with "clean emissions" technologies lining up on Glencrutchery Road.

Extra practice times will mean that road closures on 3, 4 and 5 June will be at 1600 BST, rather than 1700 BST.

A government spokesmen said the event was "pioneering and groundbreaking".

'Commercial benefit'

Hon Martyn Quayle, MHK, minister for tourism and leisure, said: "We regret any inconvenience caused to the public by the extra practice time and hope that people will be sympathetic and will understand that we have taken these measures to facilitate this pioneering and groundbreaking event.

"There is a huge amount of global interest attached to the race that can bring significant economic and commercial benefit and prestige to the Isle of Man."

In order to help riders outside the core TT races to compete, the entry criteria has been changed to allow Manx Grand Prix competitors to participate without impacting upon MGP eligibility.

This has meant that extra practice time, exclusively for TTXGP, has been scheduled so riders have the chance to familiarise themselves with the machinery and course, and achieve the required number of qualifying laps to participate in the race.

The teams come from the UK, the Isle of Man, the USA, India, Austria, Germany and Italy and will compete for the new Snaefell Trophy.