Penzkofer will contest the Superbike and Senior TT races

German manufacturer BMW are set to return to the Isle of Man TT races for the first time since 1976.

German rider Rico Penzkofer will contest the Superbike and Senior TT races for the official manufacturer-supported team.

Penzkofer said: "To be representing BMW on their return to the TT is a tremendous honour."

The 34-year-old will have a full Superbike-spec machine at his disposal for the two six-lap races.

The official BMW test rider made his Mountain Course debut in 2009 and left the island with two Bronze replicas.

Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus have proved in World Superbikes that the bike is competitive and we hope to do the same at the TT Rico Penzkofer

He added: "Hopefully the experience I gained last year combined with the Superbike should give us a great chance of making an impression."

The German manufacturer has recorded 30 TT wins since their debut in 1937.

Georg Meier won their first TT title two years later, becoming the first non-British rider to win the Senior race.

BMW is the sixth manufacturer confirmed for the 2010 event, joining KTM, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha.

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