MCE British Superbike veteran Michael Rutter will make his return to the series at Brands Hatch this weekend as he replaces Joe Burns in the Gearlink Kawasaki squad.

The team split with Burns after just one round and 42-year-old Rutter has stepped in to try and help the squad get some direction with bike setup and regularly into the top 20. But the first time he will see the bike is on Friday morning…

“The team have said that they wanted someone with a bit of experience to help find some direction with the bike and I was available,” said Rutter.

“I haven’t ridden a superbike on a short circuit since before Assen last season but I will be working with good people and hopefully I can help sort a few things and pull it together to qualify.”

“I am not stupid, I know how difficult it will be and I have to be realistic but I am not doing this to mess about. I am glad to back in the BSB fray and we will start by aiming to get the bike into the top 20.”