MICHAEL RUTTER has signed with MSS Colchester Kawasaki to contest the 2012 British Superbike championship
Rutter returns to the Kawasaki team after having rode for Nick Morgan's squad back in 2007. 'The Blade' ended last season in eighth overall, and missed out on a place within the Title Fighters after a crash with Josh Brookes at Cadwell Park which forced him to the sidelines with broken ribs.
With over 360 race starts and 28 wins to his name, Rutter brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Kawasaki team in anticipation of the new technical regulations.
"This is going to be an interesting year for everybody, but I have obviously been with Nick and the team before so know what to expect from them and I am looking forward to getting back on the Kawasaki again." said Rutter.
"I know the power is good and having watched the riders clocking up podiums last year, I could see the whole machine is a good package. The new rules mean a big change and for me, I either wanted to be riding a Kawasaki or a Honda this year so the option to join the MSS team was great. They already started work towards the end of last season on the new spec Superbike, but so did WFR Honda as they have also been testing so I think they should be starting the year strongly.
"The rule changes don't bother me as the good riders and teams will still be up there, but at the same time I think we might see some riders might struggle at the beginning of the season and that is when we really need to make sure we are getting the results. I missed out on the top six in the Showdown last season through that crash but this year I want to be back in that top six again.
"We need to be aiming for results early on as I also think that the bikes will change a lot during the season so it is important to score well from the start. I am definitely hoping that some of my experience of all the different bikes over the years will benefit me, but at the same time if you are a good rider then you should be able to ride anything."
Rutter will be joined by Peter Hickman at MSS Colchester Kawasaki.
Visordown recently spoke with Michael Rutter, you can read the interview here.
