Ian Hutchinson set record after record at the 2010 Isle of Man, but unfortunately, a severely broken leg kept the multiple TT race winner on the sidelines for the majority of the 2011 season. But Hutchinson is back in racing form. He hit the track at Cadwell on a specially designed Yamaha R1 to prepare for the 2012 season.
Hutchinson used a specially constructed gear-shift system which allowed him to change gears with his right leg.
"I was so excited last night, I couldn't sleep and I was watching the footage from Le Mans at gone midnight. Being on the track felt surprisingly good to be honest. It's a bit strange but after a couple of laps you're soon back into it," said Hutchinson.
Hutchinson broke his leg during a British Supersport race at Silverstone shortly after claiming a record five wins at the 2010 Isle of Man TT. Hutchinson has 8 TT wins total, but couldn't race on the mountain course this year. But the training has begun, and the Yamaha rider is ready to add to his total.
"It wasn't like I expected to be missing apexes or anything like that and you don't forget what you've spent all that time learning. Obviously, I'm not pushing hard and getting on the throttle early but I've got some good lines and really enjoying being back out there," Hutchinson said.
"We're using the Superstock bike because it is closer to a roadbike and easier to ride than a full-blown Supersport race bike, you don't really have to chase it around the track as much. There's a lot more torque to go a little slower and find my way back into riding really.
"The gearbox is quite easy actually, it's still in race-shift and I've not got it wrong yet but I did go for the back brake over the mountain but then remembered it isn't there. I need to get a thumb brake on it as I am used to that on a Superbike, which will stop me thinking about it.
"My leg feels really good, I've got another operation on it later this week to try and release some scar tissue to get my ankle working again. I'm still having physio but it's looking good for Macau in November. We will swap the gearshift back if the operation is a success but I'm not going to stop racing because I have to use the right side to change gears."
SMR team owner Shaun Muir added:
"It's great for Ian to be able to finally get back on a bike again after all this time. The team is over the moon with the progress he has made and he was very comfortable on the R1 today. It good for us all to see a way forward now and we can look at 2012 with renewed confidence."
