After a week of bad weather which curtailed most of the practice and qualifying sessions, the City of Dreams 45th Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix was eventually run earlier this morning and saw a battling fourth position achieved by American Jeremy Toye.
Aboard the PBM-prepared Kawasaki ZX-10R the 40-year-old Californian was hoping to repeat his podium success of last year but after the 10-lap race missed out on the podium by 2.827s.
Ulsterman Michael Dunlop, making his Macau debut, was severely hindered by the lack of track time and as a result finished in 12th position, whereas Manxman Conor Cummins did not start the race due to contracting an illness during the week.
Team owner Paul Bird said:
"It's been the most difficult week weather-wise we've ever known and well done to the organisers for persevering. Jeremy rode well to take fourth position and Michael was severely hampered through having no track time because of the weather but did well considering. It was my decision to not let Conor race, as much as he wanted to, because he had no strength after being ill during the week, and it was the right decision."
The Penrith based PBM team, having yesterday announced Rapid Solicitors as title sponsors for their British Superbike team, will concentrate on preparations for the 2012 season whereby Shane Byrne and Stuart Easton will start testing early in the New Year.
City of Dreams 45th Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix Result
1, Michael Rutter, GBR, RidersMotorcycles.com
2, Martin Jessopp, GBR, RidersMotorcycles.com
3, Ian Hutchinson, GBR, Swan Yamaha
4, Jeremy Toye, USA, IGT Kawasaki Racing Team
5, Gary Johnson, GBR, IGT Suzuki by TAS
6, John McGuinness, GBR, Roadhouse SMT Honda
7, James Storrar, GBR, IseeMacau.com BMW by DMR
8, Michael Barnes, USA, Attack Performance Kawasaki
9, Bruce Anstey, NZL, Padgettsmotorcycles.com
10, Steve Mercer, GBR, Jentin Racing
11, James Hillier, GBR, Mocha Club Bournemouth Kawasaki
12, Michael Dunlop, GBR, IGT Kawasaki Racing Team
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