Isle of Man TT lap record holder Peter Hickman believes the title of World’s Fastest Road Race can return to the Ulster GP this year if conditions are right.

The Lincolnshire rider, whose 125.4mph lap at TT 2018 removed the title from the Dundrod track, will take his Smiths BMW Superbike to the August meeting to once again do battle with Silicone Racing’s Dean Harrison.

“If the conditions are right and the track is good I think it can be the fastest again. Overall, I think the Ulster is a faster track with only one slow corner” said Hickman at the race launch.

“Dundrod is a track that suits my style because I like to carry plenty of corner speed and we are fairly certain we have sorted the water pressure problem we had on the Superbike at the TT.

We are still learning with the new bike but we aren’t sure whether or not we will have a full Superbike engine for the Ulster or will run the blueprinted engine that gives just 8bhp more than standard.”

Harrison is less interested in the lap record than he is winning races but agrees the record could go back to Northern Ireland.

“I think it is a faster circuit and all we need is sunshine and a good close race and the lap record could go,” he said.

“I would rather have a podium than a lap record even if it is a world record. I approach every race in the same way. I try to get on the podium and if you are in the right place at the right time the wins will take care of themselves.”