Michael Rutter is setting his sights on the podium at Croft after a solid start to the 2011 British Superbike Championship.
The Kirkby rider has scored points in every race with two top six results to his name, but the Ducati 1198 has yet to show front running pace, and Rutter lies one point outside the top six places in the championship as a result.
The 39-year-old expects a challenging weekend but is still confident of an improved display from the Rapid Solicitors–Bathams Ducati team.
“We learnt a lot at Oulton Park but we know that Croft is going to be another tough round” he added. “I don't doubt it will be hard work to get the set up right due to the demanding nature of the track. The Rapid Solicitors-Bathams Ducati team have been working hard though since Croft to try and make improvements to move us forward as we need to be up at the front and trying to get on the podium again.”
Teammate Martin Jessopp struggled last time out at Oulton Park after a weekend littered with problems, limiting him to 15th in the first race and 12th in the second.
But the Yeovil rider is in good spirits ahead of the trip to North Yorkshire although he doesn't expect this to be the 1198s strongest track.
“I really like Croft; it's fast and bumpy but it needs guts to go fast there. I didn't ride there last year as I was out with my injury so I am really looking forward to getting back out again. In the past it hasn't been a track that has really suited the Ducati, as the last section is quite stop and start but we will be doing our best to improve on the results we had at Oulton Park.”
