The Worx Crescent Suzuki team has today (Tuesday) confirmed that Michael Rutter will replace Sylvain Guintoli at this weekend's fourth round of the ViSK British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli at Thruxton.

Press release

Rutter will ride the Suzuki GSXR-1000 K9 for this meeting only while the team decides on a long term solution.

Rutter said: "I'm still in shock about was has happened and foremost I extend my sympathies to Sylvain, I wish him a full and speedy recovery. For me, this is a great opportunity and having seen Sylvain's progress on this bike I'm very excited to get this opportunity to ride it. I like Thruxton, it's a real rider's circuit, and with two podiums there last year I'm confident we can put together two good results."

Team Manager Jack Valentine concluded: "We have given Michael Rutter the opportunity to ride our bike at Thruxton as this is a very, very fast and technical circuit and it was our feeling that we needed a very experienced and capable rider for the job. I have worked with Michael in the past, to good effect, as has our crew chief Les Pearson, and we are confident in his ability. Within the short period of time we have before the weekend Michael will not be able to test the bike beforehand. All the same, Michael has a self-professed love of the circuit so we anticipate a strong performance.

"Regarding a longer term replacement, we are still reviewing the situation and we would ideally like to have a rider in place ready for Snetterton. Michael is certainly part of considerations there."

BSB now moves to Thruxon this weekend (May 29-31) for round four.