Rutter and Muff at new-look Bathams BMW

Bathams IWR have announced that Michael Rutter will be remaining with the squad for the 2014 MCE British Superbike season as they make the switch from Honda to BMW machinery, as he’s joined by Swiss rider Patric Muff.

Rutter, one of the most experienced riders in BSB, is joined by former BSB racer Muff, who will be looking to build on previous top ten finishes on his last outings in the series in 2012.

Rutter said: “I am really excited about this season and with new bikes it feels like a new start. I rode a BMW Superstock bike at the North West 200 back in 2010 and it was mega then so I am really looking forward to giving the Superbike a go. Over the past few seasons different teams have shown what a fantastic package the BMW is in BSB and the fact that it has featured in the Showdown for the past two seasons proves that. I think looking ahead to this season that is what we should be setting ourselves as a goal; the top six is always going to be difficult because of the level of competition but that has to be what we are aiming for this year.”

Muff added: “I am over the moon to finally be back on the BSB grid this season – it feels like a birthday and Christmas all at once! I was working hard last year to come back and after a year without racing I will be concentrating on one race at a time, but of course my first goal is to have a solid start to the season at Brands Hatch. I believe that we have a very strong package; I know the team very well and they are working very hard to provide me with a competitive bike and then it’s in my turn to fight on the track for good results. I had some offers from teams in other championships, but for me there was always only one goal and that was to be back in BSB.”

Team owner Ian Woollacott concluded: “We are all really motivated for the new season and with the massive changes over the winter this really is a new era for the whole team. We have worked hard to make this all possible and we have big ambitions for this season. The BMW has proven its potential in the championship and we are excited about getting testing underway with the new bikes. The BSB grid wouldn’t be the same without Michael and I am happy to welcome Patric back into the team. This season should be one of our biggest yet and I am looking forward to getting started.”