Milwaukee Yamaha’s Michael Rutter is aiming for a ninth Macau Grand Prix win this weekend but is well aware of how strong the competition is in 2014.

The Midlander will have a factory YZF-R1 under him at the Guia circuit but will have to contend with the PBM pairing of Stuart Easton and last year’s winner Ian Hutchinson on the PBM Kawasakis, plus Gary Johnson and John McGuinness.

“The competition is going to be a lot stronger this year. You can never rule out Stuart Easton around there – he always goes well. I am feeling good and ready. I know that I have a proven bike with the Yamaha, as it is the one that Ian Hutchinson rode to victory on last year,” said Rutter, speaking to bikesportnews.com.

“I am not making any big predictions, although it would be nice to take a ninth win there. But until you get out there you have no idea of how quick everyone else is.

“I will be competitive, and being on the podium would be good, winning better, but I know that this race will be very competitive given the quality of the entry. The race is a good run out at the end of the season, something to do in November, and more sponsors are taking an interest.”