The public relations officer for the TT has been outlining the importance of extending the practice sessions for this year's races.

Simon Crellin says regulations for entry to the inaugural TTXGP mean riders have to complete a certain number of laps around the course.

He says, on safety grounds alone, time has to be given to test the battery-powered machines on the course itself.

There is some concern about the disruption which will be caused by bringing forward the times of practice sessions by an hour, on four consecutive days during practice week.

It means roads around the mountain will close at 4pm, with the rest of the course shutting an hour later.

Marshals and medics are worried they won't have enough time to get to their posts and Mr Crellin acknowledges there is some way to go before everyone is happy.

He told Manx Radio:

"There are obviously a huge number of concerns and there is an ongoing consultation process.

"The TT races rely on the good will of the Manx people, the Manx businesses, not to mention, as everybody knows, and it's often quoted, the TT could not take place without the buy-in of the marshals.

"So there is an ongoing process of consultation, I understand, with all of the groups, as well as all of the officials and anybody who will be affected."

Meanwhile, these shoppers in Douglas have mixed views about the plans: