McGuinness to test Vitrans Honda.

John McGuinness is to test the Vitrans Honda at Tuesday's official British Superbike test day at Silverstone, with a view to riding for the team for the remainder of the year.

The Robbie Burns-owned squad released John Laverty from the team last week and McGuinness, who himself has been without a ride since his departure from AIM Racing, has been asked to step in.

Having been away from the sport for over a month, the TT hero needed no second invitation and, if the test is successful, he will compete in the remaining five rounds of the BSB Championship.

Speaking on the eve of the test, a happy, and relieved, McGuinness said: "It's never a nice feeling to be sat on the sidelines so when I was asked to ride the Vitrans Honda, I jumped at the chance. I feel sorry for John Laverty, as I know what it's like to be told you're no longer needed, but that's the nature of racing and as one door closes for someone, another door opens for someone else.

"I'm really grateful to Robbie Burns for giving me the opportunity to test the bike and, hopefully, it will lead to a ride until the end of the season. I'm really fired up for the rest of the season so I'll be giving it my best shot and can't wait to get things underway at Silverstone on Tuesday."

There was further good news for McGuinness when he was informed by Neil Tuxworth of Honda Britain that he will have the use of a Honda Racing CBR600 Honda for the Supersport races at the Ulster Grand Prix. He has also secured Ryan Rainey's Image Motorsport R1 Yamaha for the Superstock race and, having already linked up with Paul Bird and Stobart Honda, the Morecambe flyer now has machinery for all classes at Dundrod with the meeting getting underway on Wednesday August 10.