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Gareth Fullerton

Isle of Man TT: Ian Hutchinson issues 'pressure' warning to history-seeking Michael Dunlop

Ian Hutchinson believes Michael Dunlop will feel the weight of expectation on his shoulders as he closes in on Isle of Man TT history.

The 34-year-old currently stands just one win away from equalling the all-time record of his legendary uncle Joey, which stands at 26.

Dunlop - who has already claimed four wins at this year's event - has three more races to come including Friday's Superstock and Supertwin classes and Saturday's blue riband Senior TT.

Read more: Billy Bingham brought joy to Northern Ireland in dark times says Gerry Armstrong

Not only can he eclipse his late, great uncle as the King of the Mountain, but he can also beat Hutchinson's record of five wins at a single TT which the English rider set in 2010.

"To come over and win four TTs is an incredible achievement. I know there are more races left," Hutchinson said.

"When I came here in 2010 and everyone expected me to win five after I had won four, I was starting to think 'if I don't win this one will I have had a bad TT?'.

Joey Dunlop in action at the Isle of Man TT back in 1992 (Getty)

"I think Michael is taking in the fact that he has won four TTs this week which is a massive achievement. There is only him, Phillip McCallen and Peter Hickman who have ever done that before, and I obviously won five.

"So he will be taking that in, more than anything else. Anything can happen during the rest of the week, and you have to enjoy the here and now."

Hutchinson added: "I felt added pressure back in 2010. The more races I won the more the pressure grew.

"It was going to be the first time five races had been one at a single TT. Now there are more races the fans will expect Michael to win more than five and beat my record.

"It is always about beating someone else, and that's why people are obsessed with beating the lap record. Beating the person before."

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