Klaus Klaffenböck and Tim Reeves have announced that they are joining forces for the two sidecar races at this year’s Isle of Man TT.
The last-minute deal will see Klaffenböck supply Reeves with Honda engines and full technical support, including the Technical Director of Team Klaffi – a former F1 technician – throughout the fortnight.
The deal is also set to include the Southern 100 and Scarborough Gold Cup events, with it also likely to expand beyond the 2016 road racing season.
Klaffenböck won the world championship in 2001 before winning three TT races between 2010 and 2011. He also ran Ben and Tom Birchall in the TT, taking victory in 2013 and in 2015.
Speaking about the deal, Klaffenböck said: “I’m a sidecar, and TT, man and the Team Klaffi slogan has always been ‘For Winners Only’ so who better to support than Tim. The deal has come about a bit late in the day but as soon as we got talking it all came together very quickly.
“Tim will have the full support from my team throughout and we’re hoping our combined experience will take us to more TT success. Whatever I can do to add to that mix, I will. I’ve always had the utmost respect for Tim and we’re both looking to make this a long-term deal for the years ahead.”
Reeves took his maiden win at the TT in 2013 and has taken a total of five podiums since his debut in 2008. It is hoped that the new deal will allow the five-time world champion to challenge the Birchall brothers, Dave Molyneux and John Holden.
Reeves will be partnered with three-time winner Patrick Farrance and will run a brand-new livery, which promotes the F13K Cancer charity.
Reeves said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to have joined forces with Klaffi and I didn’t need much persuasion to put pen to paper – pretty much as soon as he started to explain what he had to offer, I said ‘where do I sign?’
“It’s the final peice of the jigsaw for me and is a terrific opportunity, one I aim to grab with both hands. With my current set-up now combined with Klaus’ experience and support, I’ve got a spring in my step and I can’t wait to get going.”
Qualfying for the 2016 TT gets underway on Saturday, May 28 with two three-lap Sidecar races taking place on Saturday, June 10.