Podium return (From Halesowen News)

Podium return

10:02am Thursday 24th April 2008

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KINGSWINFORD'S Michael Rutter sent out a warning to his rivals as he made a stunning start to the British Superbikes Championship at at Thruxton.

Rutter took two third placed finishes - his first double podium since 2005.

The two impressive rides have quickly put him in third place in the Championship standings on 32 points - 13 behind joint pacesetters Shane Byrne and Carl Cutchlow who won a race apiece at Thruxton.

Rutter had set his stall out in qualifying with the third fastest time and a place on the front row for the first time since 2006.

It was form he took into the races and he hopes he has now set a marker for the rest of the campaign as part of the new North West 200 Ducati team.

He said: "It was a great way to start the season and things could not really have gone much better for me.

"Last season was a disappointing one for me so to start with two podium finishes is fantastic.

"It really is a long time since I have been in that position.

"Not only is it a good start for me but it is a good start for the North West 200 Ducati team.

"Hopefully, we will be able to keep this going and build on it for the rest of the season."

Rutter will return to action for the next round of the Championship at Oulton Park on May 5.

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