RUTTER ON THE FRONT ROW
05 June 2004 - Honda Racing

HM Plant Honda Racing’s Michael Rutter qualified third on the grid at Thruxton today to continue his 100 per cent record of a front row start in every British Superbike Championship round so far this year.

His fastest lap of 1:15.679 was set in the closing stages of the final qualifying session and is well inside the existing circuit lap record. The 31-year-old Leicestershire rider, who has had nine podium finishes (including two race wins) out of ten races this year, is confident of his chances in tomorrow’s two 22-lap races at the Hampshire circuit.

Rutter’s Japanese team-mate, Ryuichi Kiyonari was back in action after two rounds absence due to a broken collarbone. Despite the fact that this is the 21-year-old’s first visit to the circuit, he qualified the factory CBR1000RR Fireblade in 18th place.

Michael Rutter: “Although I just missed out on my second consecutive pole position, my main objective in the last five minutes of qualifying was to put the HM Plant Honda on the front row. So, I’ve got to be happy with this starting position and the set-up that we’ve got for tomorrow’s races. As the times suggest, it’s going to be close racing at the front of the field and as long as I get a good start, I’m in with a good chance of success. If the races go to plan, I’m hoping that my determination to succeed here at Thruxton this weekend will help me to pull some points back in the title chase.”

Ryuichi Kiyonari: “My overall fitness is good and I haven’t had any physical problems at Thruxton, following my recent operation. This is a challenging circuit to learn and I’m having to work hard to find the best set-up for my HM Plant Honda Racing Fireblade. It is particularly demanding on the front end through the bumpy sections in some corners. However, it’s the same for everyone so it’s just a question of building up my confidence. Therefore, I’ll be doing my best for a decent finish in tomorrow’s races.”

Qualifying times: 1. Dean Thomas (Ducati) 1:15.592; 2. Sean Emmett (Ducati) 1:15.678; 3. Michael Rutter (HM Plant Honda Racing) 1:15.679; 4. John Reynolds (Suzuki) 1:15.752; 5. Glen Richards (Kawasaki) 1:15.770; 6. Scott Smart (Kawasaki) 1:15.793; 7. Gregorio Lavilla (Suzuki) 1:15.842; 8. James Haydon (Yamaha) 1:16.409; 9. Gary Mason (Yamaha) 1:16.568; 10. James Ellison (Yamaha) 1:16.661; 18. Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda Racing) 1:18.028

www.honda-racing.co.uk

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