Tommy Hill will return to British Superbike action by taking over the 'substitute' Worx Crescent Suzuki seat from Michael Rutter at the forthcoming
Mallory Park round.
Rutter had occupied the ride since Sylvain Guintoli's
Donington Park accident, but he and the team mutually agreed to end their association after last weekend's
Knockhill round.
Hill, who split from the Althea Honda World Superbike team earlier this year, then completed a successful test on-board the GSX-R1000 before being named as Worx Suzuki's
Mallory Park representative.
"I'd firstly like to thank Michael for his efforts since Sylvain's unfortunate injury,” said team manager Jack Valentine. “Michael did a good job for us, getting two front row starts out of three, while running strong lap times.
“However, we need to convert good qualification into strong race finishes and we believe Tommy has the ability to do this. After completing 45 laps around
Mallory Park on the Worx Crescent Suzuki today, he impressed the whole team and on top of his obvious talent, has a good attitude so should fit in well."
With Guintoli making a steady recovery, the team continue to treat each round as it comes, and as such Hill will be riding under a one race contract at Mallory.
"We're still not completely sure when Sylvain will be able to get back on a bike, so we're treating everything on a round by round basis,” said Valentine. “However, consistency is obviously very important in racing and if Tommy performs how we anticipate, I see no reason why this deal can't be extended to further rounds."
The
Mallory Park round takes place on 19th July.