Ducati return to TT with Rutter
Added on Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments
Ducati return to TT with Rutter
Ducati will be returning to the Isle of Man TT for the first time in seven years in 2010 after Michael Rutter and his British Superbike Championship team ridersmotorcycles.com will use machinery from the legendary Italian manufacturer in four out of the five solo races.
The road racing veteran will ride his Ducati machinery, fully updated to 2010 specification, in both the Superbike and Senior races as well as racing the team’s 749RS in the two Supersport races.
Rutter last rode a Ducati at the TT in 1996 and the last official Ducati effort on the Island was in 2003, when John McGuinness rode the 998cc MonsterMob machine.
Rutter’s recent outings at the TT in 2007 and 2009 were blighted by injury and machinery issues, with his 2008 entry coming shortly after his split with the NW200 Yamaha team in British Superbikes. Despite that setback however, he still lapped consistently in the 125mph bracket with a best result of seventh in the Pokerstars Senior race.
The 37-year-old also boasts a strong pedigree on the TT Mountain Course, having taken victory in the 1998 Supersport race and recording eight other podiums. He currently holds the 18th fastest lap time.
“I’m really pleased to be returning to the TT with Ducati and I’m really excited and optimistic about our chances,” said Rutter. “Obviously last year didn’t quite go to plan with all the problems so I’m eager to come back with a fully competitive package and show what we can really do.
“When we went racing with the Ducati at the end of 2009 it was all a bit last-minute and very rushed, but I could see there was a lot of potential with the bikes and I think we will be really competitive next season with updated engines and electronics.
“I’m looking forward to riding the 1098R around the course and I’m sure we’ll be right in the thick of the action. It’s also great to have the use of the 749 for the two Supersport races.
“It has proved how competitive it is at British Championship level and I can’t wait to take on the 600cc machines on the V-Twin in the two Supersport races at the TT as well.”
Martyn Quayle, Tourism and Leisure Minister for the Isle of Man, added: “We’ve really tried to encourage as many manufacturers as possible to come to the TT so that there is lots of variety for fans on the grid.
“Ducati is one of the great names in the TT’s history and with Michael Rutter on board as well, it is very exciting to see them coming back to the Isle of Man with such a competitive proposition.”
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