Rutter races on with Ducati in 2010

Michael Rutter will race a Ducati in BSB next year – teamed up with Martyn Jessop on a pair of 1098RS F08s with backing from West Country motorcycle dealership Riders, Bathams Brewery and Black Horse Finance.

The F08’s are the same machines Rutter finished sixth on in the 2008 BSB season and in the final two rounds of the series last year – and are owned by Irish businessman Alastair Kennedy.

Rutter (37) told MCN: “We’re aiming to get some parts to update them, though I have to admit we’re not sure to what level.

“But the bikes are good. Last year we dusted them off and went racing but it was a last-minute deal, so much so we even ran on second-hand tyres.

“But I could see there was still a lot of potential in the bikes and I think we’re going to be really competitive this year with updated engines.”

Full story in this week’s MCN