Milwaukee Yamaha's Ian Hutchinson has declared that his victory in today's 47th Macau Grand Prix is one of the most special, coming after spending the best part of three years out of action with a bad leg injury.
Hutchinson hadn't raced for 18 months before he flew down to the former Portugese colony, testing at Donington Park and Almeria in preparation, before edging out favourite and eight-time winner Michael Rutter for pole yesterday.
The Bingley man took the lead on lap five of today's race and never looked back, taking advantage of backmarkers before a red-flag called a halt to proceedings two laps early.
"It's probably one of the most special wins I have ever had after what has happened. Hopefully we can carry on where we left off three years ago now," said Hutchinson, speaking at Macau.
"I had about ten plans for the various race situations but I didn't have a plan for the one that happened. I knew I had to go with Michael when he passed Gary (Johnson). I could see we were doing 2'26s laps but I thought I wouldn't have the tyre left if I waited any more to go past him. I pinned it through the backmarkers but we got them later than normal.
"Thanks to Shaun and the team for backing me for the last three years, being on and off the bike and not always telling him the truth. I did tell him a few moths back I was going to win here. Thanks also and my family and friends, a lot of which are here. Hopefully I can stop being so serious tonight," concluded Hutchinson, who has been using a private gym every day in preparation for today's race.
