BSB: Rutter for the chop at Crescent?

Strangely, the team claimed that ‘rear-grip issues’ were in effect all weekend and it was those that affected Rutter's progress in the first race; the veteran racer then crashed out of race two whilst in fifth position. Following the poor result Rutter said: "It's been a tough day and I'm very disappointed. Through the lead up to the racing we've shown what's possible: We were front row again, and podiums are clearly there for the taking. There's absolutely nothing wrong with this bike and team.

"In that first race we started OK, I held position in the opening laps but by lap six I could feel the rear tyre performance dropping off badly. Despite being the same tyre we used in practice and qualifying, come the race we weren't getting the same grip. For a while I was able to hold on to sixth, but when the safety car came out, everyone closed on to me. So when we got the green light again I just couldn't go and that was the end of it.

"We went for a harder tyre for the second race and that worked well. We were secure in fifth when on the 20th lap, on the run to the hairpin, I ran in too deep. The rear came up so I couldn't turn, I let the brake off to regain control, but that put me wide and off the circuit. Game over!"

Team Manager Jack Valentine added: “There's not much I can add to what Michael's already said. We're disappointed; we can't deny that. But also we all feel for Michael. Two front row qualifying-performances from three is evidence of his speed. Even today there were times we could feel hopeful. But the results just haven't come. "So, we have to face it, we're in a position again where we need to find a solution to get us back to the sharp end of the racing."