Former NW200 Yamaha rider Michael Rutter will stand in for injured Worx Suzuki rider Sylvain Guintoli at this weekend's Thruxton British Superbike round and may well be on the bike until the Frenchman is fully fit.

Guintoli broke his tibia and fibula after being in collision with HM Plant Honda's Josh Brookes on the sighting lap for race one yesterday. Brookes has been banned for one race, suspended for three meetings following a stewards inquiry.

“I’m still in shock about was has happened and foremost I extend my sympathies to Sylvain, I wish him a full and speedy recovery. For me, this is a great opportunity and having seen Sylvain’s progress on this bike I’m very excited to get this opportunity to ride it. I like Thruxton, it’s a real rider’s circuit, and with two podiums there last year I’m confident we can put together two good results," said Rutter.

Team boss jack Valentine added: “We have given Michael the opportunity to ride our bike at Thruxton as this is a very very fast and technical circuit and it was our feeling that we needed a very experienced and capable rider for the job.

"I have worked with Michael in the past – to good effect – as has our crew chief Les Pearson, and we are confident in his ability. Within the short period of time we have before the weekend Michael will not be able to test the bike beforehand. All the same, Michael has a self-professed love of the circuit so we anticipate a strong performance.

“Regarding a longer term replacement, we are still reviewing the situation and we would ideally like to have a rider in place ready for Snetterton. Michael is certainly part of considerations there."