The countdown to TT 2009 has officially begun.

Excitement is building ahead of the most famous motorcycling road racing event in the world, following the official media launch at a packed Villa Marina in Douglas last night.

Tourism and Leisure Minister Martyn Quayle has faced criticism in the past few days, over the abandoned plans for extra practice sessions for the inaugural clean emissions TTXGP.

But he received a good reception last night, and took the opportunity to praise the work of the marshals involved in the meeting.

Live on Manx Radio's The Back Page he said:

"For those of you that don't know, we need a minimum of 506 marshals to run every practice session, as well as races, which gives a complete line of sight around the whole 37 3/4 mile course.

"These people are in place before the first bike goes out, and they stay behind until the roads open car has passed through.

"Without the dedication and professionalism of the Isle of Man TT Marshals Association, there would not be a TT."