Sir Mark said he was also struck by how much the races had evolved.
“Seeing the change since Paul Phillips and the team took over, just how far it’s come, how modern it is compared to when I first came,” he said.
After a few days into practice week, he said this year’s atmosphere was “buzzing”, especially with the filming of a feature film taking place.
“The whole island’s buzzing about that,” he said.
Production is underway at this year’s TT for an Amazon MGM Studios movie starring Channing Tatum.
The Hollywood star has been spotted in various locations alongside actor Eve Hewson.
Sir Mark also pointed to the increasing pace of racing on the Mountain Course, after Honda Racing rider Dean Harrison set the fastest superbike lap on Wednesday, posting a speed of 133.712mph.
“It’s just getting faster and faster,” he said.
The TT is considered to be one of the world’s most dangerous races.
Competitor Daniel Ingham died in a crash at Doran’s Bend on Wednesday during a qualifying event.
The fatality followed a crash on Monday in which eight spectators and one rider were injured.