North West 200 Ducati team launched.

Michael Rutter will pilot the 1098 Superbike in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship as well as at the team's own event, the North West 200 held on the 17th May on the north coast of Ireland.

Rutter will be joined by his new team-mate John Laverty who will continue to compete in the National Superstock class under the Buildbase NW200 banner.

Commenting on the new partnership, JHP Team owner John Hackett said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved with the Team and I'm really looking forward to working with Michael Rutter again. In my opinion he is still one of the best riders out there and one of the very few naturally talented smooth racers whose style will suit the Ducati perfectly."

Mervyn Whyte MBE, NW200 Clerk of Course, said: "I'm delighted with this brand new initiative. It's the icing on the cake for our event and will dramatically raise the North West 200's profile throughout the new 2008 season and beyond. This is a tremendous boost for the North West 200 and will give the event a massive following within the British Superbike audience, throughout Europe and indeed the world."