RECORD-BREAKING RUTTER MAKES IT FOUR WINS IN MACAU

Michael Rutter, the 30-year-old British racer, made it four wins in six years at 37th running of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix today (Saturday), on his Renegade Racing Ducati.

Rutter led the 15-lap race from start to finish beating his closest rival John McGuinness (Zong Shen Racing Ducati), by more than five and a half seconds.

“I looked back early on and saw McGuinness behind me so I decided to go for a few quick laps and try to break clear,” said Rutter.

That is exactly what he did, breaking the lap record by almost a full second to open a gap from his rival, and from then on the result was never in doubt. Rutter’s only concern in the closing stages was that his soft compound rear tyre was beginning to reach the end of its useful life and he had to ease the pace.

McGuinness, winner of the race in 2001, admitted that he’d tried to stay with the winner but could not match his pace and, conscious that he had only managed nine laps in practice and qualifying because of mechanical problems, decided to make sure he finished.

Veteran Scotsman Brian Morrison (SERT Suzuki), was a good third over 26 seconds in front of German Markus Barth (Fylde Superbikes Suzuki).

Stuart Easton might well have taken a podium place on the ETI Racing Ducati, but for a mistake at Melco Hairpin early in the event when he ran wide and was forced to stop to disentangle himself from the trackside barrier. He dropped from third to 16th.

The 20-year-old British rider having his first ever ride on a Superbike powered his Italian twin machine through the pack to finish an impressive 5th.

Australian Cameron Donald (Zong Shen Racing Yamaha), was tenth home, winning the Supersport 600 class from New Zealand newcomer Bruce Anstey (Triumph), by just under two seconds.

Britain’s Steve Plater would have won the class but for earning himself a 30 second penalty for jumping the start. The time penalty dropped him back from 10th place to 14th overall, and 3rd place in his class.

He had the small consolation of setting a new Supersport lap record, four and a half seconds better than the previous best.

2003-11-15 18:10:38