NW200 confirms Rutter Macau attack.

Alistair Kennedy confirmed today (Thursday) that Michael Rutter and the NW200 Ducati Racing Team will compete in November's Macau Grand Prix.

"It is very important for us as a team to promote the NW200 event on the world stage and there can be no better place to do that than in Macau. As Michael is currently the most successful rider ever at Macau, we are hoping for some great results on the Ducati," stated Alistair.

Michael has seen a return to form this year with wins in BSB and at the NW200 itself and he hopes to continue that success in Macau.

A seventh win at the peninsula street circuit would also secure Rutter a place in the history books. Rutter and Ron Haslam currently have six wins apiece, and this is one of the reasons 'the Blade' is looking forward to returning this year on a Ducati.

"The team have worked hard all year to get the bike in great order, and it will be fantastic to listen to the sound of the Ducati through the streets of Macau, as we have not seen a Ducati there since I won in 2003," said Rutter.

"Mostly though, I would just like to finish the season off with a win to thank all the guys for there hard work all year but I will have strong opposition from John McGuinness, Ian Hutchinson and Guy Martin to name a few, so it should be a very close fought race.

"I still want to come out on top as we cross the line! I always enjoy my time in Macau as it's a fantastic place to visit and I am really looking forward to going back this year," he added.

"I am delighted that Michael Rutter is coming back to Macau for another crack at that elusive, record breaking seventh victory," said Macau GP organiser, Mike Trimby. "Michael has probably not had the most competitive machinery at his disposal on his last two visits, but with the North West 200 Ducati he is reunited with the type of machinery that saw him dominate in the past. It is also great to see one of the most prestigious road racing events ploughing money back in to the teams and supporting riders at other major events."

"We have had a great season with the North West 200 Ducati Racing Team in BSB and I am looking forward to travelling to Macau with Tourism Ireland to see another road racing spectacular and further promote our event to an even larger audience," stated Mervyn Whyte MBE Clerk of the Course for the North West 200.

"Michael's popularity with the race fans ensures we have a great following wherever we go and I'm sure Macau will prove to be the same. This gives the North West 200 the much needed global profile to maintain its position as one of the world's most prestigious road racing events," he claimed.