TT 2016: Hillier eyes Senior redemption

James Hillier is aiming to make amends in Friday's PokerStars Senior TT after an electrical issue hampered his prospects in Saturday's opening RST Superbike event.

Hillier finished 11th on the Quattro Plant Muc-Off Kawasaki after encountering the problem with his ZX-10R but had been running third on the opening lap at Glen Helen.

The 31-year-old clocked an opening speed of 130.359mph on lap one as he slotted into fourth place, only three seconds behind fellow Kawasaki rider Dean Harrison.

Hillier increased his pace on lap two to 130.495mph but slipped to fifth behind Honda's John McGuinness and the Hampshire rider appeared to be on course for a solid top six result when his machine cut out at the Gooseneck.

He stopped to make adjustments after switching off the anti-wheelie and traction control aids but was now in 13th position.

Hillier battled on and with two more laps above 129mph, he gained two places to eventually cross the line in 11th place after the six-lap showdown, which was won at record-breaking pace by Michael Dunlop on the Hawk BMW.

"I'm a little bit frustrated with how the race went but I've had a good run here with very little trouble in the races for the past few years, so I guess it was bound to happen at some stage," Hillier said.

"It was a fast pace right from the off and I was surprised to see Hutchy come by me so early but I was in P3 and although I got pushed back to fifth, a good result looked on the cards. Coming out of the Gooseneck on the third lap though the bike cut out and I had to stop half way up the hill on the way out.

"I pressed as many buttons as I could, turning them off and on again and the bike eventually re-started although I kept many of the electronic aids, like the traction control, turned off," he added.

"I carried on until the end and was pretty happy with my riding but although I didn't make any mistakes, I know my sector times can be stronger so I need to make sure I string them all together next time out. I'm unhappy but also happy to have got back home for another finish."

Hillier finished as the runner-up in last year's Senior race and set a scorching 132mph lap.

Pete Extance, team owner, added: "It's a real shame for James that he had the electrical problems as fourth place, at least, looked like a good possibility.

"He rebooted the system but had lost a lot of time although he kept going and brought the bike home for a creditable 11th place.

"He's happy with the bike and happy with his times so he'll be in a good place with the bike for next Friday's Senior."