Rutter back in BSB - on a Ducati!

Michael Rutter will complete an unpredictable 2009 MCE British Superbike by returning to action on a Ducati for the final two rounds of the season, at Silverstone and Oulton Park.

It will mean that, amazingly, the BSB veteran has raced for Ducati, Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha all in one season!

Rutter spent the first two rounds with Rob Mac Yamaha, whom he left after never feeling comfortable on the 'big bang' inspired R1. Having sat out Donington Park, Rutter then returned to action replacing the injured Sylvain Guintoli at Worx Crescent Suzuki, for whom he rode at Thruxton, Snetterton and Knockhill.

Tommy Hill was then handed the GSX-R1000 ride, but Rutter was still on the grid next time out at Mallory Park, this time in a one-off ride for SMT Honda. The following Brands Hatch triple header saw Rutter switch to the MSS Colchester Kawasaki squad, in place of the injured Simon Andrews.

Having missed the Cadwell Park and Croft events, Rutter has now secured the Alistair Kennedy-owned Ducati 1098s and, with the backing of sponsor Bathams, is determined to finish the season on a high.

Rutter rode for Kennedy's Ducati team last season, when he won at Mallory Park en route to sixth in the standings.

"I haven't been to the last two rounds and have been forced to watch it on TV and I have missed being out there. I have had a few offers but for one reason or another they haven't worked out and I was desperate to get back out there for the final two rounds," Rutter told the official BSB website.

"Alistair Kennedy still had our two Ducatis from last season and we spoke several times and decided if we could get the sponsorship together that we would get them back out again for the final rounds. I have been able to secure backing from some local sponsors to me including Bathams, Blackhorse Finance and Shoei helmets and then we hit the target to be able to come back.

"It's definitely good to be bringing Ducati back to the championship; my dad won with Ducati and I have won several races with them, including on this bike last year at Mallory Park so we know we should be competitive. We have a completely new set-up within the team; 'Desmo' Dave Allenby will be with me who used to work with GSE Racing and Neill Mansell from Laverty's side of the team from last year is coming back.

"I had to ride a Ducati this year as then I will have ridden everything! We just missed the podium at Silverstone last season and I want to come back and make an impression as soon as I can."

Rutter's best race result so far this season is fourth in race one at Mallory Park for SMT Honda.