- Michael Dunlop clocked 128.719 mph in Supersport and remained clearly in front.
- Mike Browne led the Sportbike qualifying at 121.348 mph.
- Many top riders sat out the session, leaving a thinned-out field.
With the final session on Friday evening, the practice week at the Isle of Man TT 2026 came to a close. Only the Supersport and Sportbike machines were on track, taking one last opportunity to fine-tune their setup ahead of their races. Notably, the field was significantly thinned out, as a number of front runners had already completed their day’s program.
Who Was Fastest in the Final Qualifying?
Michael Dunlop was the fastest in Supersport, while Mike Browne led the Sportbike field. Dunlop lapped the Snaefell Mountain Course on the Scars Racing Ducati at 128.719 mph, while Browne recorded 121.348 mph on the Paton.
Dunlop extended his advantage through every sector and cemented his role as the favorite for the Supersport class. The 33-time TT winner returned to the pits immediately after his fast lap. Across the entire week, Dunlop also remains the fastest rider in Sportbike; however, in this evening session he focused on the Supersport Ducati, which is why Browne topped the Sportbike session.
How Did the Supersport Qualifying Go?
In Supersport, Dunlop set the pace at 128.719 mph. Peter Hickman was second at 127.301 mph, already 11.7 seconds behind.
Behind them were Josh Brookes (125.556 mph), Jamie Coward (125.357 mph), Ian Hutchinson (124.217 mph) and Joe Yeardsley (122.752 mph). Dominic Herbertson took fifth in the overall classification at 124.499 mph. Brookes and Hutchinson each completed an additional lap with lower times, as both were flagged into the pit lane before the start-finish line at the end of the session. A notable performance also came from former Macau Grand Prix winner Erno Kostamo, who lapped the course at 122.077 mph.
Who Led the Sportbike Class?
Mike Browne was the fastest in Sportbike. He topped the classification at 121.348 mph on the Melbray/Laycock Racing Paton, despite running wide at Parliament Square on his opening lap.
Behind Browne, Peter Hickman (120.050 mph) and Jamie Coward (119.385 mph) slotted in, each completing only a single lap. They were followed by Michal Dokoupil (117.931 mph), Barry Furber (117.320 mph), Stefano Bonetti (116.747 mph), Michael Sweeney (116.701 mph) and Jonathan Perry (116.083 mph). Newcomer Rhys Stephenson finished his qualifying week with his fastest lap yet at 114.118 mph.
Why Did Many Top Riders Sit Out?
A number of front runners skipped the final session, leaving the field thinned out. Dean Harrison was a notable absentee, having already completed his day after setting the fastest Superstock time.
Other riders had also found their setup in previous sessions and were saving equipment and energy for the upcoming races. For those who remained, the session primarily offered the chance to check final setup details before racing begins in earnest.
How Did Peter Hickman Fare After His Problems?
Peter Hickman returned to the track after his difficulties in big bike qualifying and posted competitive times. He was second in both Supersport and Sportbike.
Hickman had previously admitted openly that he is not at one hundred percent physically, which is particularly noticeable on the smaller machines over the long straights. Jamie Coward, meanwhile, continued to be in excellent spirits and worked on his setup after finding a breakthrough shortly before.
When Do the Isle of Man TT 2026 Races Take Place?
The action starts on Saturday at 10:45 AM with the three-lap Superstock race, followed by the first Superbike race on Sunday. The Supersport and Sportbike classes, which were the focus of this final qualifying session, race on Tuesday.
With that, the Isle of Man TT 2026 practice week is complete. Across all classes, Michael Dunlop on the smaller machines and Dean Harrison on the big bikes have established themselves as the riders the competition must measure themselves against. The sidecars will not take part in the remainder of the event following several serious incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who led the Sportbike qualifying at the Isle of Man TT 2026?
Mike Browne was the fastest at 121.348 mph on the Paton in the final Sportbike qualifying. Peter Hickman and Jamie Coward followed behind.
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Who was fastest in the final Supersport qualifying?
Michael Dunlop was the fastest at 128.719 mph. Peter Hickman was second at 127.301 mph, already 11.7 seconds behind.
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Why did many top riders skip the final qualifying?
Several front runners had already found their setup and were saving equipment and energy for the races. Dean Harrison, for example, sat out the session entirely.
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When do Supersport and Sportbike race at the Isle of Man TT 2026?
The Supersport and Sportbike classes race on Tuesday. Before that, the Superstock race takes place on Saturday and the first Superbike race on Sunday.
