Cameron Donald believes Peter Hickman's lap record heroics will plant some seeds of doubt in Michael Dunlop's head going into Saturday's blue riband Senior TT.
Hickman posted a new outright TT lap record of 136.358mph in Friday's Superstock race, finishing 17 seconds ahead of Dunlop, with Dean Harrison once again completing the podium spots.
The stunning display could potentially see Hickman opt for the Stocker machine in Saturday's Superbike finale, in what promises to be another thriller on the Mountain Course.
Read more: Isle of Man TT live updates from Friday's Superstock and Supertwin races
And two-time TT winner Donald believes Hickman's record-breaking pace will have thrown some doubts into Dunlop, who needs one more win to equal his uncle Joey's TT record of 26 victories.
The Australian said: "We all know what Michael is capable of. He broke the previous Superstock record and went better than the first Stocker race.
"Whether he was riding harder, or the changes he made worked. But as a competitor, when you're beaten like that, you start thinking 'what am I going to have to do to reach that pace?'.
"He is definitely more comfortable on his Superbike, but it's bound to cast doubt on his mind. It is a tough one for him."
Donald added: "We just watched Peter Hickman walk on the moon. He has literally done something on a bike we have never seen before.
"I am almost speechless, which is rare for me. I am absolutely pumped.
"To witness that...We have seen a lot of records being broken at this TT, but a 136mph lap around the Isle of Man TT on a Superstock bike?
"That is epic."
Dunlop has been in sensational form at this year's TT, winning ? races so far to close in on the all-time record of his legendary uncle Joey.
Donald believes Hickman will have chipped away at some of the 34-year-old's confidence after posting Friday's 136mph lap.
He added: "Just that pace (of Hickman). Michael had got a run on since the first Superstock race, and he has been winning.
"He was dominant in the Supersport class, and it is a psychological game between these two two big hitters heading into Saturday's Senior TT. And for Pete to respond with that...
"And you could see it on Michael's face. He broke the previous lap record himself.
"He is probably a little bit despondent, because he will be thinking 'what can I do to reply to that?'."
Donald added: "These two are pushing each other to new heights. They are pushing each other to places we have never seen.
"It is incredible, and it is beautiful to watch. You are seeing two hugely talented riders, two of the most talented riders in the world, on the world's most challenging course, on top of their game.
"They have great teams behind them and are on great motorcycles. And it is enabling them to do great things."
The big question is whether Hickman will opt for his 1000cc Superstock bike for Saturday's Senior TT, after recording the fastest ever lap around the Mountain Course.
The 36-year-old was giving nothing away on Friday when he said: "That's what's on everyone's lips at the minute, isn't it? It's a good question, and I don't know.
"As a team it is something we will talk about tonight. Obviously the Superstock has its advantages in some areas, and the Superbike has its advantages in other areas.
"We will make a calculated and educated decision tomorrow, so watch this space."
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