Michael Rutter showed his potential for this year's 100th anniversary Isle of Man TT races by going faster around the 37.73-mile course than he's ever been before aboard his ISILON MSS Discovery Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. The 34-year-old from Kirkby Mallory recorded a best lap time of 125.003mph during last night's practice sessions, coming seventh in the Superbike category and beating his previous best ever lap of 123.04mph from 2000. In the Supersport class, Michael did an impressive 120.434mph lap to record last night's sixth fastest time in the class. Despite making a comeback to the TT course after a seven-year break, Michael has nine podiums to his credit including the win in the 1998 Junior TT. Michael's TT race return starts tomorrow in the Bennetts TT Superbike race.

Michael Rutter

"We've had one or two little problems but they're sorted now and we're going forward. I'm hoping we can get a few more good laps in tonight and at about the same speed as last night and then see if we can learn even more in the race tomorrow. From there I think we'll be in better shape to have a really good go at the other races next week. To be honest, I thought it would be easier than it has been getting back into the swing of the circuit. The odd damp conditions, which meant I've had to go carefully for five or six miles, haven't helped - nor have the cancelled practice sessions. You know where the track goes, but you need to learn what bits you can stick your head behind the screen and go flat-out, but it's all coming back to me. Still, last night I felt I was finally up to speed on both bikes. I can't believe that the 600 felt the same speed as my 'big' bike was in 2000! That's progress for you."

Nick Morgan, Team Owner

"On the Island the whole thing is about confidence and knowing when to up the pace. Michael's done tremendously well so far, so we're hoping for some results from the up-coming races. We're looking at top sixes - we'd be happy with that - and a podium would be like a win to be honest!"