Rutter continues with Suzuki
Added on Monday, June 8th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Rutter in action at Thruxton
Michael Rutter will continue as the Crescent Suzuki rider in the latest round of the British Superbike championship at Snetterton.
The 37-year-old rider, who was dropped by the NW 200 Yamaha team earlier this year following a poor start to the season, was drafted in by Suzuki to replace the injured Sylvain Guintoli at Thruxton last weekend.
Despite the last minute decision, with only two days preparation before heading to practise at Thruxton, Rutter impressed Suzuki bosses with a front row qualifying position and two fifth place finishes.
That has prompted team bosses to extend their association with Rutter, who will ride at Snetterton with the option of further rides whilst Guintoli remains on the sidelines.
“We were very pleased with Michael’s performance at Thruxton,” said Crescent Suzuki team manager Jack Valentine. “It’s not an easy circuit to set-up for and for Michael coming into the team at such late notice and with no prior time on the bike, he really did an excellent job.
“With Sylvain’s injuries clearly now indicating a long recovery we have to consider a medium to long term solution in terms of this season. Obviously the championship is beyond us now, but the capability of the 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000, as Sylvain showed, is to be the class leader. So our goal now is to secure podiums, if not wins, for the rest of the season.
“In that respect rider selection is crucial. Michael has shown he has the lap speed but, by his own admission, at Thruxton he was a little combat rusty. We are therefore going to Snetterton together with the joint goal of translating Michael’s undoubted speed into podiums. Pending the outcome of those races we’ll make a further announcement on our rider selection.”
