Maria Costello is an experienced TT competitor on both solo motorcycles and sidecars.
During Tuesday’s initial qualifying session at the Isle of Man TT, a sidecar driver and passenger were hospitalized following an incident.
Maria Costello and Shaun Parker crashed at the Brandish section of the course, situated approximately two miles from the conclusion of the 37.7-mile (60km) Mountain Course public roads circuit, where the event is held.
The incident occurred on their second lap of the session, prompting the immediate display of red flags and a halt to proceedings.
According to an update from race organizers, Costello is “conscious and talking, with reported head injuries.”
She was airlifted to Noble’s Hospital on the island for further medical evaluation.
Parker is also reported to be “conscious and talking”, with “reported leg and arm injuries.”
He was transported to the hospital by ambulance for further assessment.
The opening practice session of the 2026 event on Monday was prematurely halted due to a crash on the northern section of the circuit, resulting in the abandonment of the remaining schedule for the day.
Subsequently, two spectators were transferred to the UK for specialized medical treatment after a competitor’s crash impacted the crowd.
Event organizers confirmed that six other spectators and the involved racer have been discharged from the hospital.
Dean Harrison is currently in his third year as a member of the Honda Racing team.
Earlier in the evening, Dean Harrison achieved the fastest lap speed ever recorded during an opening qualifying session in the solo practice.
The Honda Racing rider led the Superbike leaderboard with a speed of 133.925mph, completing the lap in 16 minutes and 54.206 seconds.
The five-time TT winner initially posted a lap of 133.222mph from a standing start on his opening lap, subsequently reducing his lap time by over five seconds on his second circuit.
The Yorkshireman, now residing on the Isle of Man, secured two victories in the Superstock class last year, marking his first race wins since 2019.
Michael Dunlop secured the second-fastest time in the Superbike class on his Hawk Racing Honda, clocking in at 130.341mph, approximately 28 seconds slower than his competitor.
Manx rider Nathan Harrison, Ian Hutchinson, David Johnson, and John McGuinness rounded out the top six on the leaderboard.
Australian Josh Brookes topped the Superstock qualifying leaderboard with a lap of 130.197mph on his DAO Racing Honda, followed by 14-time winner Peter Hickman in second with 129.42mph, and Jamie Coward in third with 128.702mph.
Dunlop led the Supersports category with a speed of 126.922mph on his V2 Ducati, demonstrating a strong start in his pursuit of extending his streak of eight consecutive race wins in the class.
Brookes followed in second place at 124.271mph on a Suzuki, with Hickman securing third on his Triumph at 123.584mph.
Paul Jordan topped the Sportbike speeds with a lap of 120.208mph on an Aprilia, while Coward (119.199mph) and Browne (119.097mph) secured second and third place, respectively.
Superbike – 1 Dean Harrison (Honda) 133.925mph; 2 Michael Dunlop (Honda) 130.341; 3 Nathan Harrison (Honda) 130.01; 4 Ian Hutchinson (BMW) 128,903; 5 David Johnson (Kawasaki) 128.275; 6 John McGuinness (Honda) 128.121
Superstock – 1 Josh Brookes (Honda) 130.197; 2 Peter Hickman (BMW) 129.42; 3 Jamie Coward (Honda) 128.702; 4 Dominic Herbertson (BMW) 128.569; 5 Dean Harrison (Honda) 128.237; 6 Mike Browne (Honda) 127.805
Supersport – 1 Michael Dunlop (Ducati) 126.922; 2 Josh Brookes (Suzuki) 124.271; 3 Peter Hickman (Triumph) 123.584; 4 Ian Hutchinson (Ducati) 123.538; 5 Paul Jordan (Ducati) 123.455; 6 Mike Browne (Yamaha) 123.182
Sportbike – 1 Paul Jordan (Aprilia) 120.208; 2 Jamie Coward (Paton) 119.199; 3 Mike Browne (Paton) 119.097; 4 Michael Evans (Aprilia) 119.001; 5 Andrea Majola (Paton) 118.018; 6 Michal Dokoupil (Aprilia) 117.643