Q&A – Michael Rutter | Eight-times winner of Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix: ‘To be successful, it’s all about being neat, tidy and smooth’

Nicknamed “The Blade,” Michael Karl Rutter is a well-known figure from the Guia Circuit having started to race here 22 years ago.

Holder of the record of the most wins at the Macau Grand Prix (8), the Times spoke with Rutter ahead of the 63rd edition of the prominent annual event, which  will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary.  He shared information about the motorcycle race and provided an insight to learn about what it takes to be the “King of the Armco.”

Macau Daily Times (MDT) – 50 Years of Motorcycle GP in Macau, what does this milestone represent for the racer that has won here many more times than anyone else?

Michael Rutter (MR) – It’s a massive milestone without doubt. Some of the events in the UK have been going longer but for Macau to be where it is in the world and still be going strong is a major achievement. It’s the only event of its kind on that side of the world so it is very unique and a testament to the organizers over the years that it has not just made it to its 50th year but grown from strength to strength.

MDT – Racing here for 22 years, how do you see the evolution of the event? What changed?

MR – Over the years, I think the motorbike GP has become more prominent and it’s not simply a support race that it once was. The organizers, and Macau people in general, have noticed and realised just how popular the bikes are and moved us to a timeslot later in the day, which represents a huge benefit.

When I first came, we had two [race] legs and we were essentially racing down the seafront but now we are racing for about a mile surrounded by skyscrapers.
The standard of the entry has also improved over the years and there have been lots of other changes. The one thing that has barely changed though is the course. With the exception of some of the corners being altered to make them slower, it is still the same course as in 1994 when I made my debut.

MDT – What should a rider possess to win in Macau?

MR – It is a good end of season event for us so to win puts you in a good place going into the winter especially as it has got more and more coverage in the media these last ten years. To be successful, it is all about being neat, tidy and smooth. You have to be accurate and also a bit conservative – you cannot be hanging off loads and scratching round all the corners. Each corner leads into the next and if you mess one up, you’ll still be paying for it half a lap later.

MDT – Name the most difficult and the most fun points of the Guia Circuit?

MR – For me personally, the most difficult corner is [the] Mandarin [bend]. It is 160mph+ when you tip in and you have to get it right to carry your speed along the following straight.

On the approach, you cannot really see the corner either – all you can see is Armco so experience is key.
The best bit? Coming out of the last corner on the last lap and seeing the chequered flag!

MDT – If you had to choose one edition for its special relevance to you from all your races, which one would it be and why?

MR – Winning my eighth race, as it is something I did not think it would happen. I had not won for a few years so I did not expect to in 2012 but conditions were right for me and everything came together.

Due to various delays, the race got pushed back later and later in the day and when we were racing the streetlights actually came on. With my experience, I knew where I was going and it was such a great feeling winning again after quite a long time without a victory.

MDT – Are you going for your ninth title this year?

MR – Definitely. I am not coming to make up the numbers but I am also realistic as there at least four riders who are very strong and committed, none more so than my two team-mates Peter Hickman and Stuart Easton. Peter is riding fantastically well and has had a great season whilst he is, of course, the reigning Macau Champion. Stuart’s had four wins previously so he’ll be tough to beat as will Ian Hutchinson. He’s [Hutchinson] had a great season on both the roads and short circuits whilst Gary Johnson will also be tough to beat. I rode the Penz13.Com BMW in Germany and it is a great package.

MDT – Last year was dominated by BMW bikes, is it another year for BMW to shine?

MR – I think so. The BMW is a great bike and you only have to look at the results worldwide. It has dominated at the likes of the TT and North West 200 so is well suited and proven on the roads. I would say the BMW has got the edge over the likes of Kawasaki and Honda but one surprise person this year could be Glenn Irwin on the Ducati. He is riding really well and has had a good season in BSB [British Superbike Championship] as well as previously proving himself at the NW200 [Northwest 200] and Ulster GP. He is making his debut so it will be a huge ask to win but you never know, stranger things have happened!