Laverty was in devastating form in qualifying practice yesterday and swept the boards in the Superbike and Supersport classes to such an extent that he looked a red-hot favourite with nobody in his class.

"I wouldn't say that," said the modest Michael. "But I do feel in good form and it's tremendous to have such backing from the TAS Suzuki team.

"They have made all the difference and although I'm going for a record-breaking five wins in the big event I'm not going to let that unsettle me.

"I was riding well within my powers in both classes and I have set myself an objective of winning five races at the meeting. This will be hopefully in the Sunflower Trophy itself, the two Superbike and Supersport races. I know it's a difficult undertaking but I feel it can be done."

One man who would be hoping to thwart Laverty's onslaught is his team-mate Ian Lowry who was in tremendous form also in the Supersport and the Superbike.

After the combined qualifying session for the Superbike and the Sunflower, Laverty was at the head of affairs with Marshall Lee second, Alistair Seeley third and Lowry fourth. Lowry said afterwards: "I feel I could have done better and I would hope that in the Sunflower race itself I'll finish in the top three.

"To be honest I can't see anyone beating Michael for he is riding out of his skin, but I might edge into second place. Who knows in this type of racing."

In the Supersport qualifying Laverty was top with Lowry in second place followed by Neill Keith, Amor Feeley and Alan O'Connor who came from " bottom of the deck" to show in the top six.

Further down was B J Toal, who has won the British R6 championship, Jack Kennedy, Marty Nutt and David Hare, with Ryan Farquhar one place behind.

Nutt had an unfortunate day for he holed the radiator at the start of the Superbike practice and he never really felt at ease afterwards.

"I felt the bike was going to overheat badly and wreck the engine so I pulled out," said Marty. "I now have it all to do in the Sunflower but I might have a better chance in the 600cc races."

Also at the meeting was Jonathan Rea who has recently finished second in the British Supersport championship and won last year's Sunflower after a tremendous battle with Laverty.

Rea said: "I'd like to be out there with the rest of the boys but as you can see I have had an operation on my knee."

Rea was walking about on crutches but added: "I'll be riding in the World Championship next year in the Supersport class and I would hope to be testing in Phillip Island in Australia some time in January."