LOCALLY-based Yamaha Phase One, three times world endurance motorcycle champions, are to take part in the famous Isle of Man TT Races for the first time this year.

Briton James McBride and Jimmy Moore, an American, will both ride Phase One Yamaha YZF-R1s in the Superbike and Senior TT races, on May 31 and June 6 for the Combwich-based team.

McBride has five years experience of the TT, with a 124mph lap and a best result of seventh. Moore raced on the testing Isle of Man circuit for the first time last year, finishing fourth fastest rookie in the Superbike TT.

Phase One team manager Russell Benney was delighted to be invited to take part in one of the most famous motorcycle races in the world. "We've got a super rider line-up that is at a level perfect for our starting position and for what we can offer. I think we can come home with a top ten finish or two," he said.

"It'll be our first time at the Isle of Man, but I'm surprised more world endurance teams don't take part; like endurance, it's all about safety and reliability and securing a good finish.

"The TT also complements our endurance season very well, fitting in perfectly between the eight-hour races at Albacete in May and Suzuka in July. I'm really excited to be part of this."

The almost entirely-voluntary Phase One team will shortly begin testing for the first race of the 2008 World Endurance season, the Le Mans 24 Hour on April 19/20.

Last year, the team were dogged by mechanical problems and bad luck and finished sixth in the world championship, which they last won in 2003. They operate on a budget of just over £100,000 a year, which is what the works teams against whom they are competing spend just on catering.