Rutter breaks leg during test spill in France

Michael Rutter hopes to be fit in time for the opening round of the British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch in April after breaking his leg during a test crash in France.

The 40-year-old suffered a fracture at the base of his tibia in the spill at the Dunlop-owned Mireval circuit on Sunday, where he was testing with the Honda TT Legends EWC team.

The veteran BSB rider, who completed a deal last month to compete in the series for Quay Garage Racing under the Bathams banner with Tommy Bridewell, has returned to the UK for further treatment.

"It didn't feel too bad at first and I was walking around after the crash but we thought it was best to get an X-ray done just to be sure," he said.

"That revealed a crack at the base of my tibia near the ankle joint.

"I was given crutches and a temporary cast so I can get back to the UK and get it sorted out.

"Hopefully it won't take too long to heal and I'll be back on the bike as soon as possible."

Bathams Honda team owner Ian Woollacott said early reports suggested the injury was "uncomplicated".

"Whilst it wasn't in the script, first reports suggest that Michael has an uncomplicated injury and he will travel with the team to the first official test at Donington Park and be very much a part of our pre-season preparations," said Woollacott.

Rutter is also due to ride for the Honda TT Legends team at the opening round of the EWC at Magny-Cours in France on April 20/21, which hosts the legendary Bol d'Or 24-hour meeting.

Legends team members John McGuinness and Simon Andrews, plus roads star Michael Dunlop have have travelled to Albacete in Spain to participate in a three-day Dunlop tyre test this week.