MILLSPORT Racing Ducati has signed Steve Mercer for TT 2012.

He will ride the team's Ducati 1199 Panigale machines in the Dainese Superbike, Pokerstars Senior and Royal London 360 Superstock races.

The team is planning a testing programme starting in early March and it will compete at the early rounds of the British Superstock Championship in preparation for the start of the international road race season at the North West 200 in May.

The team will also race at  the Ulster GP, Southern 100 and the Mondello Masters series.

Steve has performed creditably on the Mountain Course since his debut in 2009 and recorded his best places of 12th and 16th place in the Dainese Superbike and Royal London 360 Superstock Races respectively in 2011, with both race times over the 120mph average for the six and four lap races.

He has a fastest recorded TT lap of 124.658mph which he set in the 2010 Dainese Superbike Race.

Team Boss Patrick Murray said: "Millsport Racing Ducati are delighted to have Steve on board our 1199 Panigale's for the 2012 season.

"Now we are looking forward to getting on the track as early as possible in the New Year to begin a testing programme in preparation for the season ahead."

Steve said: "I'm really looking forward to riding the new Ducati 1199 Panigale for Millsport Racing next year and I think it will be a serious machine on both roads and circuits. 2012 can't come soon enough."

TT and Motorsport Development Manager Paul Phillips said: "Millsport Racing is an excellent team and they are a great fit with Steve Mercer who is one of the most exciting new riders to compete on the Mountain Course in recent years.

"I'm sure that they will enjoy a successful relationship and we look forward to seeing them on the Isle of Man in 2012."