The first practice session for this year's MGP had to be cut short last night (Sat)

After worries about the road surface following flooding on the Mountain on Friday, a severe lack of marshals for the evening's untimed session meant it had to be limited to the newcomer's controlled speed lap only.

Around fifty riders took to the course almost an hour after the original start time of 5.20pm.

There's a strong international contingent in the newcomers with riders from as far afield as Finland, the Czech Republic, Sweden, the USA and the Faroe Islands.

Chairman of the TT Marshals' Association, Terry Holmes, told Manx Radio TT 365 it was a very frustrating situation, especially as conditions appeared to be so good.

The next practice session will be on Monday evening. Roads will close at 6.00pm with a hoped for start at 6.20pm