BSB: Knockhill - make or break for Michael Rutter
BSB old-hand fights for his ride at this weekend's Knockhill round of the British Superbike Championship
RACING VETERAN Michael Rutter reckons he can put in a result this weekend worthy of a full-time ride with Worx Crescent Suzuki for the rest of the season - and he needs it.
Rutter, who scored a podium finish at last year’s BSB round, says that a similar top-three finish on the ex-Sylvain Guintoli machine is on the cards this weekend at round six of the British Superbike Championship (BSB) at Knockhill.
But Rutter will have to let his on-track riding do the talking this weekend after a dire outing at Snetterton a couple of weeks ago that saw Rutter drop out of both races after a crash and a technical problem with the GSX-R1000K9 Suzuki.
Rutter, who is increasingly coming under pressure – according to the paddock grapevine – from out-of-work rider Tommy Hill who is itching to get on the Worx Suzuki, said:
“We made great progress with the set-up at Snetterton, although as that wasn’t reflected in the results, few would know. But coming to Knockhill it’s an all new game. I love Knockhill and I showed that last year by standing on the podium. You see, this place is short and tight yet because of the start straight and the sweeping run into the hairpin it still has a very fast lap speed, around 95mph. So you need a bike that you can confidently turn very, very quickly but also has a super-strong motor. The GSX-R1000 has all of this. So, no question, I’m looking to qualify front row and make the podium this weekend.”
Jack Valentine, team manager added: “Michael’s certainly fired up this week! I said what happened at Snetterton wasn’t his fault, but he clearly feels he has a point to prove. He knows he has the tackle for the job and he’s clearly got the hunger to stick it in there at the sharp end. Every weekend is make or break for Michael, but I can tell he feels this weekend is special.
“We shouldn’t forget just how strong this Suzuki is, either. Sylvain proved that at the season beginning. And for Michael, at Snetterton for that second race we gave him the front end feel he was looking for. So now he has the set-up he feels is right for him. And he’s got this coming to a circuit that’s clearly right for him too. We’re not out to talk up a fight, but we have to be ready for what’s going to be a very keen battle this weekend.”
