Ian Hutchinson back in the groove in Macau after long recovery from serious crash

Ian Hutchinson is racing for the first time in 18 months after a horrific accident and a fight to save his leg, but showed no signs of rustiness as he took pole position for Saturday’s motorcycle race at the Macau Grand Prix.

The English Milwaukee Yamaha rider nipped pole from eight-time winner and defending champion Michael Rutter (SMT Racing Honda) by just five-hundredths of a second in the second qualifying session on Friday (two minutes, 25.568 seconds compared with 2:25.625).

“We made quite a big change from yesterday front and rear, as we’ve been really struggling, really trying hard. Towards the end of the session I thought the track felt better than yesterday, so I knew it had to be the changes we’d made,” said Hutchinson.

“I never expected to get pole but was hoping for a front-row start. I’m pleased it’s come out like this and it’s nice to get praise from all the riders. I’ve had a lot of support.”

Hutchinson, 34, became the first man to win all five solo Isle of Man TT races at the same meet in 2010, but five months later broke his left leg in a crash at Silverstone. He has had 29 operations since. In 2012 he broke the leg again, and suffered a massive infection, requiring bone grafts.

“Fair play to him though, he’s been through a lot,” said Rutter, seeking a record ninth win. “ I’ve had a few poles, so I hope we can put a good race together tomorrow.”

A winner in 2001, John McGuiness was third (2:27.447) as he tries to add a second Macau victory.