Kevin Rousseau joins Ben Birchall as new passenger

Frenchman replaces Tom Birchall who retired last month

Kevin Rousseau has been announced as Sidecar TT champion Ben Birchall's new passenger for the 2024 Isle of Man TT Races.

Frenchman Rousseau replaces Ben's brother, Tom Birchall who confirmed his immediate retirement from racing last month.

Along with having one TT appearance so far alongside Tim Reeves, Rousseau also boasts experience at World Championship level with Reeves as well as Manx sidecar driver Harry Payne.

What's more, Birchall and Rousseau have already paired up on the Snaefell Mountain Course in the last year, carrying out several laps during sidecar tyre testing at the 2023 Manx Grand Prix in August last year.

Speaking about joining forces with 14-time TT winner Ben, the French competitor is describing the move as a 'big challenge' but is 'really excited' to get started.

Meanwhile Ben adds: "Doing it without Tom isn’t a position I’ve been in before, but once I knew he was calling it a day, there was only one person I wanted alongside me and that was Kevin, so I moved quick to get everything in place.”

“The passenger is as important as the driver at the TT, if not more so, and whilst Kevin may only have one TT under his belt, I’ve seen at close quarters how talented he is and he’s the perfect size and weight. 

"He’s also a professional sidecar passenger with a skill set second to none and I know he’ll apply himself and do everything required to be ready come June."

This year's Isle of Man TT Races will take place from 27 May to 8 June.