Rutter quits TT for more testing

After a disappointing weekend at Knockhill Ducati’s Michael Rutter has quit this year’s TT so he can turn all his attention to reversing his disastrous fortunes in the British Superbike series.

The final straw came at Knockhill on Sunday, where a failed tyre gamble and a blown engine saw him leave Scotland with just one point.

Chief rival Shane Byrne bagged 50 points from his third double win on the trot to extend his series lead to 104 points.

Rutter had been set to spearhead Ducati’s factory-backed Island return, but he said: ” We’re not doing it. We need to regroup and attack Shane. I’d really love to do the TT, but my priority is the British championship. I know the chances are slim and the title is nearly out of the window, but Shakey has been winning too much. What we most need is testing time to find the speed to match him.

Team boss Mark Griffiths made the decision on Monday afternoon after consulting Rutter.

” Mark said that if I really wanted to go, he’d pull out the stops to make it happen. But I totally agree with his decision. ” Rutter added.

Not going to the Island means the team can also prepare better for the Silverstone World Superbike round, where Rutter will get three days of track time to counter his severe lack of testing.

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