Suzuki sign up Rutter for Thruxton
Added on Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Suzuki sign up Rutter for Thruxton
Michael Rutter has been drafted in Sylvain Guintoli’s replacement at Worx Suzuki for this weekend’s BSB round at Thruxton.
The 37-year-old has been drafted in to the Worx Crescent Suzuki team just days after being released by Rob Mac Racing following a poor start to the new season.
The announcement comes after Guintoli, Suzuki’s sole rider in this season’s championship, was ruled out for up to ten weeks with two breaks in his right leg following a collision with Josh Brookes at Donington on Monday.
Rutter, who will ride a Crescent Suzuki at the forthcoming Isle of Man TT, spoke of his delight at securing a ride for this weekend.
“I’m still in shock about was has happened and foremost I extend my sympathies to Sylvain, I wish him a full and speedy recovery,” he said.
“For me, this is a great opportunity and having seen Sylvain’s progress on this bike I’m very excited to get this opportunity to ride it. I like Thruxton, it’s a real rider’s circuit, and with two podiums there last year I’m confident we can put together two good results.”
Suzuki team manager Jack Valentine added that the choice was clear for the team, given Rutter’s vast experience at BSB level.
“We have given Michael Rutter the opportunity to ride our bike at Thruxton as this is a very very fast and technical circuit and it was our feeling that we needed a very experienced and capable rider for the job. I have worked with Michael in the past – to good effect – as has our crew chief Les Pearson, and we are confident in his ability.
“Within the short period of time we have before the weekend Michael will not be able to test the bike beforehand. All the same, Michael has a self-professed love of the circuit so we anticipate a strong performance.”
Rutter’s appointment is, as of yet, not a long term arrangement but the NW200 is in the frame as a longer-term candidate according to Valentine.
“Regarding a longer term replacement, we are still reviewing the situation and we would ideally like to have a rider in place ready for Snetterton. Michael is certainly part of considerations there.”
