It is set to have an Italian flavour after Tourism and Leisure Minister David Cretney investigated some of the famous links between Italy and the Island.

The Italian connection dates back to 1926 with rider Pietro Ghersi, while next year will mark 70 years since Stanley Woods won the Lightweight 250 on a Moto Guzzi with the first 85mph-plus lap.

In 1937, Omobono Tenni enjoyed the first foreign victory, again on a Moto Guzzi, securing his place in the history of the event.

There are a number of other significant victories which will be celebrated next year.

It will be 55 years since Dario Ambrosini won the Lightweight 250 on a Benelli and 50 years since Geoff Duke won the Senior 500 on a Gilera. That same year, 1955, Bill Lomas won the Junior 350 on a Moto Guzzi, the Lightweight 250 on an MV and Carlo Ubbiali won the Lightweight 125 on an MV.

The first 100mph lap was in 1957 by Bob McIntyre riding a Gilera and in 1958 all four solo classes were won by MV.

It will be 40 years since Giacamo Agostini and Renzo Pasolini brought their talents to the Mountain Course and Mike Hailwood continued his victories on MV machinery.

In 1962 the first lap at more than 105mph was recorded by Gary Hocking on an MV.

2005 will mark 35 years since Agostini won both the Senior and Junior races on MVs and, for the second year in the 250cc production class, Ducati took the laurels as it did 20 years ago in the Formula 2 TT and 10 years ago in the singles event.

Over the years MV has enjoyed 34 wins, Moto Guzzi 11, Ducati eight and Benelli, Mondial and Gilera three each.

Ex-TT and Manx Grand Prix riders are being invited to take part in the Classic Lap of Honour, along with owners of any exotic or special-interest machines.

Next year the prize presentation for the Senior will take place on the evening of the race, June 10, at the Villa Marina, Douglas, and there will be medal presentations to those who have played a part in TT history.