Isle of Man TT 2013: John McGuinness enters Lightweight TT

Nineteen-time TT winner John McGuinness has confirmed he will enter the 2013 Lightweight race.

The Morecambe rider will compete for RLR Racing on a new Honda CBR500R.

The 40-year-old last raced for the team in 2004 when he took back-to-back victories at the Lightweight TT onboard a Honda VFR400.

"It's an interesting class and will present different challenges to the other races but I'm looking forward to having a crack," said McGuinness.

"It was strange sitting on the sidelines last year while the race was on, particularly as the Senior was cancelled as well.

"The team undoubtedly has a lot to do in a short space of time to be ready but I've got every faith in them."

Team owner Phil Morris said: "We have a great bike and the best rider so the aim is to be on the top step of the podium this year."

Last year's race was dominated by riders onboard Kawasaki's ER6 with Northern Ireland's Ryan Farquhar taking a convincing win with a time of 59:29.27 and average speed of 114.155mph ahead of James Hillier with Michael Rutter.

Rutter, who broke his leg this week, clocked the fastest lap of the race (115.554 mph).

The race will be held ahead of the Senior TT on Friday 7 June.