MOTORCYCLE racing star Simon Andrews said he is honoured to have been asked to race for the Honda TT Legends team.
Andrews, the fastest newcomer at last year's TT, will team up with 17-times TT winner John McGuinness for this year's event.
The pair will also be part of a four man strong line up - with two times TT winner Cameron Donald and one-time TT winner Gary Johnson - in the FIM Endurance World Championship.
Andrews said: "I am genuinely excited about the year ahead. To be asked to join the Honda TT Legends team is a real honour and I can't wait for the season to get started.
"I have done a couple of endurance races – one being the Le Mans 24-hour – so I do know what to expect but I'm sure the full championship will be a real challenge.
"I'm a rider that rides better with miles under my belt, so the endurance side of things will without doubt help with the road racing.
"To be riding alongside the legend that is John McGuinness at the Isle of Man TT is big business and I'm hoping he'll have one or two pointers for me! There is no better person to learn from."
Donald and Johnson will also race Hondas at the TT and the North West 200 while Johnson will also contest the 2012 British Superstock Championship with Honda (UK) Racing.
The team will campaign on the Isle of Man aboard the 2012 version of the CBR1000RR Fireblade as Honda celebrates the 20th anniversary of the machine.
Honda TT Legends team manager Neil Tuxworth said: "Honda was keen to showcase the Fireblade in a different environment to that of short circuit racing and we certainly proved its dynamic capability in endurance racing.
"We had a good first year, but now the focus is on improvement with the ultimate goal being the podium in the FIM Endurance World Championship.
"We have the 2012 Combined ABS-equipped Fireblade, two riders with a year of EWC under their belts and two new and enthusiastic riders who can't wait to get stuck in so we're very positive about the season ahead.
"When it to comes to the TT, what better line-up than the fastest man around the course and the 2011 fastest newcomer? It's going to be an exciting year."
TT legend John McGuinness said: "Last year was definitely a learning year for the team and now it's time to up our game in EWC.
"We did a lot of development on the bike last season, particularly at the last couple of rounds with the introduction of Combined ABS.
"We were knocking on the door of the podium and this year we'll hopefully go one step further and get up there.
"We've got a great crew and after year one we all know what we're doing and what the aims are for 2012 so things are looking good.
"The fact that's it's the 20th anniversary of the Fireblade makes it all the more exciting. Each time Honda brings out an updated model it's a big step forward so I'm looking forward to racing it.
"I've had some of the most memorable career moments on the Fireblade and with any luck we'll be adding to the list this year."
