Stobart Motorsport riders Michael Rutter and Ian Hutchinson made their intentions clear by posting first and second fastest times after today’s first qualifying session for the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix. Aboard the Vent Axia and VK backed Honda Fireblade which he has campaigned all season in the British Superbike Championship, 33-year old Rutter came within a fraction of beating his own qualifying lap record as he topped the timesheets in the one-hour session earlier today as he aims to become the first man to win the Far East classic seven times.
A mammoth 2.2 seconds behind Rutter was Honda new boy, Ian Hutchinson, who is riding in Paul Bird’s colours for meeting. The Yorkshireman is making his debut on a superbike in Macau after claiming second place in the Supersport race around the 6.12km Guia circuit last year.
Isle of Man TT lap record holder John McGuinness claimed fifth fastest on the third of the Stobart bikes, just three seconds down on Rutter with Scotsman Stuart Easton making in four riders in the top ten for Stobart team with a ninth place qualifying position.
Michael Rutter“I’m happy with that and slotted straight back into the groove without any problems. We have a few small changes to make for tomorrow so that should improve my times also but I’m feeling confident. I’ll just go out on race tyres again and get a good set up for the race”.
Ian Hutchinson“Over two seconds is a lot to make up on Michael but I’m pleased to be second fastest in what was a very busy session. The bike is fantastic and it was a real eye opener on a Superbike round here but I’m confident we can go faster.”
John McGuinness“Fifth isn’t where I wanted to be today but there was so much traffic around, a fast lap was impossible. I overshot a corner on my quick lap and still ended up fifth so we need to get our finger out and take the fight to the other riders tomorrow.”
Stuart Easton“After the season I’ve had, I guess ninth isn’t too bad but I’m sure I can improve tomorrow. Either way, I’m just glad to be back with a good team on a competitive bike on Dunlop tyres”
Paul Bird“First and second isn’t a bad start and it will be good if we can maintain that through to the race. I’ve said to Michael that there’s little point in using qualifying tyres as he’s so far ahead and I’ve been impressed by Hutchy’s performance, he’s a real dark horse. John and Stuart have work to do but I’m confident they can improve”
The final qualifying session takes place at 07.30hrs (local time) tomorrow with the race scheduled for 14.50hrs on Saturday.
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