Cameron had been a firm favourite for this year's TT after entering the history books when he shaved an incredible eight seconds off the outright Isle of Man TT lap record, recording an amazing average speed of 131.457mph.

Cameron and his Relentless Suzuki by TAS team-mate, Bruce Anstey, both entered the exclusive TT 130mph club that evening, placing them first and third on the Superbike leader board. Only three men have ever lapped the 37.73 mile long TT course at over 130mph and two of those riders, Anstey and Donald have achieved it on Pirelli tyres.

With his team-mate sidelined for the TT opener, Kiwi Bruce Anstey, the second man in history to break 130mph, will be flying the flag for the Relentless Suzuki by TAS team and is well placed for a win during Saturday's Superbike TT race.

Also on the hunt for that elusive TT win is Hydrex Honda man Guy Martin who has had an unusually subdued practice week. His fastest lap so far puts him fifth quickest on the Superbike leader board. The straight-talking rider has also been plagued by mechanical issues during practice but with the added incentive of winning during Honda's 50th anniversary TT celebrations he will be even more determined come race day.

Michael Rutter's last minute plans to run his own team, Bathams Brewery Suzuki, at the TT are certainly paying off as he's steadily crept up the leader board increasing his lap speeds with every lap, his fastest so far being 125.511. The ‘Blade' will be competing on a Suzuki for the first time in his TT career and will be starting from number three.

Conor Cummins continues to be the fastest Manxman round the TT, putting in a personal best speed of 127.58 on his McAdoo Kawasaki. The tall Manxman sets off 10th in Saturdays Superbike race 10 seconds ahead of another Pirelli supported rider, Irishman Adrian Archibald. Starting at number 11, the Ballymoney native is another rider running his own set up, AMA Racing Suzuki team. His fastest lap of the week 127.762 has put him in good stead to retain his title of fastest Irishman round the TT.

The fairer sex is represented by Pirelli rider Jenny Tinmouth, the only female competing at this year's Isle of Man TT races, she has put in some exceptional lap times as a newcomer lapping at just over 110mph on her Superstock Sorrymate.com Racing Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.

Racing is planned to get underway on Saturday June 6th with the Dainese Superbike TT due to start at 10.45am.

Pirelli are proud to be a part of the greatest road race in the world and believe their commitment and extensive technical back-up provides riders with the confidence to go fast on Pirelli rubber.

Jason Griffiths, Pirelli Racing Manager, commented, "It has been an outstanding week of practice for the Pirelli riders only marred by Cameron's accident. Cameron's unofficial lap record has left us in awe. The tyres are working well and if the sunshine comes back we could be looking at taking the outright lap record. All at Pirelli wish Cameron Donald a speedy recovery."

Cameron Donald Image courtesy of Dave Kneen (ManxPhotosOnline.com)