The Birchall brothers recorded the second quickest newcomer time for a sidecar crew on their debut in 2009

Former World Sidecar champions Ben and Tom Birchall have confirmed they will contest both races at the 2011 Isle of Man TT.

The brothers from Mansfield made their TT debut in 2009, the same year in which they won the World Championship.

Older brother and driver Ben said: "The TT is the ultimate challenge and we're really looking forward to competing on the island again."

The duo will also contest the British and World Sidecar Championships.

Ben continued: "It's going to be a busy year but that has to be a good thing."

In 2009, the brothers made a solid start to their TT career, but had to retire in the final lap of the race when running sixth.

There is a 10 year age gap between the brothers

The Mansfield pair secured a fastest lap of 110.615mph around the Mountain course, which made them the second fastest sidecar newcomers of all time.

Hopes of building on that strong start with another TT run in 2010 were dashed when they were unable to find suitable machinery and reluctantly withdrew from the races.

"It was frustrating last year but there was no way we were going to enter without the right machine. We've spent all winter building what we think is a very competitive sidecar but we will be learning the course all over again," he added.

After their impressive debut the pair are expected to be among the challengers for podium positions, however they will be competing against many talented crews including fellow World Champion Klaus Klaffenbock and his passenger Dan Sayle, who won both Sidecar races in 2010 .

The 33-year-old driver added: "The Mountain course is one of the truly great motorsport courses and it will be very special to be competing in its centenary. When we were growing up it was our annual holiday and it is amazing to race here for us."

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