Michael Rutter on the podium again at Macau GP

The Brierley Hill-born veteran was less than a second behind race winner and team-mate Peter Hickman when the red flags ended their close battle early after eight laps.

Record-breaking eight-times winner Rutter, aged 46, had led the way during the early part of Saturday’s race, only for Hickman – who won in 2015 and 2016 – to hit back on lap four.

The duo, who had qualified first and second for 12-lap race, had soon pulled a gap while a battle raged behind them for third place.

But when the race was brought to an abrupt end, thankfully with no serious injuries to either Phil Crowe and Ben Wylie, the Aspire-Ho by Bathams Racing team settled for a stunning one-two, with Rutter in second.

Hickman, from Burton upon Trent, on the BMW he rode to a double victory at Isle of Man TT in June, came first with Ducati rider Martin Jessopp completing the top three.

Team manager Rutter, who was riding a Moto GP-spec Honda RC213V-S around the 3.8-mile Guia circuit for the first time, said: “I really enjoyed the race and having come with the aim of getting two bikes on the podium, I’m delighted we’ve done exactly that. I can’t thank the team and all the sponsors enough.”