By blue2bikes
November 18 2004

Here are the first qualifying times for the Macau Grand Prix - the top ten for now as it will undoubtedly change... It is an event that Michael Rutter excels in, although there are some top names here from around the world who hope to deny him another victory.

John McGuinness and Stuart Easton are riding the MonsterMob Ducatis for the final time, so keep your eye on John, as he will be a top contender for this race - along with Michael, who will want to keep up his winning ways.

1 Michael Rutter; Honda Racing; 2m 35.362s
2 John McGuinness; MonsterMob Ducati; 2m 36.008s
3 Thomas; Yamaha; 2m 38.354s
4 Josh Hayes; Kawasaki; 2m 39.222s
5 Marcel Kellenberger; Kawasaki; 2m 39.417s
6 Gus Scott; Honda; 2m 40.781s
7 Jeremy Toye; Yamaha; 2m 41.76s
8 Richard Britton; Suzuki; 2m 41.882s
9 James McBride; Suzuki; 2m 42.118s
10 Stuart Easton; MonsterMob Ducati; 2m 42.522s

Michael Rutter, HM Plant Honda - photo by Raceline photography

Michael Rutter first won the Macau Grand prix in 1998, missing competing in the 1999 race due to taking part in the 500 GP series, as it was known then. He went on to win a further three consecutive times in 2000, 2002 and 2003 – one of the most successful winners at this circuit.

When I last spoke to Michael about the Macau Circuit, and why he was so good there, he said, “I really like the circuit. It’s a street circuit, with walls and the usual problems that this type of circuit brings with it, but it’s fast and on ordinary roads, which I like. Yes, you have to be precise and ride within your limits, but it’s a place I just love to race at.”

Michael will surely be up there to go out and win yet again, especially on the ’Blade, so good luck to him and to the other competitors.

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To buy the photograph shown above, visit Raceline Photography