Ireland’s Mike Browne says he has “unfinished business” on the Italian Paton after being confirmed for the new Sportbike races at the Isle of Man TT in 2026 under the Melbray/Laycock Racing banner.

Browne previously claimed podium finishes in the Supertwin class at the TT, including a runner-up result in 2023 for Northern Ireland team Burrows Engineering/RK Racing on a Paton before retiring while leading by 18 seconds in the second race.

A winner this year in the Historic Senior Classic TT around the Mountain Course, the Cork man will be looking to challenge for his maiden TT triumph next June.

“I’m really looking forward to riding the Paton - the bike and I have unfinished business,” said Browne.

placeholder image — Mike Browne with Eddie Laycock ahead of the Lightweight Race at the Classic TT in August. (Photo by Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press)

“I want to be right at the sharp end and riding for the Melbray/Laycock racing team made it an easy ‘yes’ for me.”

Browne has enjoyed success at the Classic TT with former TT winner and fellow southern Irishman Eddie Laycock’s team in the Lightweight class on a TZ250 Yamaha.

With Melbray Racing and Laycock Racing joining forces, Browne has a strong package at his disposal and is sure to be one of the leading contenders for the top step in 2026.

Melbray Racing team owner Simon Warren said: “Our little team starts its next adventure, and I honestly don’t know what I’m more excited about - Mike riding our bike or Eddie and his great team taking care of it.

“Myself and my family are passionate TT fans first and foremost, and after Dom Herbertson’s brilliant third place this year’s Supertwin TT, and Glen English’s unbelievable second in the 2024 Classic Junior, this feels like the next step for us.

“Having Mike onboard is a dream come true. He’s such an outstanding rider and perfectly suited to the Paton. I think he’ll go really well on it, and we’re equally fortunate to have Team Laycock Racing preparing and looking after the bike.

“The team also extends our thanks to our sponsors for their continued support: Venhill Ltd, The Shed Laxey, The Bike Shed Shoreditch, and Birch Gatwick.”

This year, Browne’s results included victories at the Tandragee 100 and Southern 100 in the Supersport class on Alistair Russell’s Yamaha R6.

He also clinched a four-timer at Armoy, where Browne became only the fourth rider to win the headline ‘Race of Legends’ along with Ryan Farqhar, Michael Dunlop and Davey Todd.

In September, he sealed a Supersport treble and became the first rider from the Republic of Ireland to win the prestigious Steve Henshaw Gold Cup race at Oliver’s Mount in Scarborough, which was being held for the final time.