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Paul Ruter has signed for the Stobart Motorsport Honda team in the 2006 British Superbike Championship (BSB).

Paul Bird Motorsport announced that Ruter will contest the 2006 International North West 200 and the 2006 Macau Grand Prix for the team, joining Michael Laverty to form a two man team.

Double BSB runner-up Ruter has 500cc Grand Prix and World Superbike Championship points, as well as years of BSB experience. Team owner Paul Bird has said that he is delighted to welcome him to the team.

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The 32-year-old motorbike champ has won the North West 200 11 times, the Macau GP five times and the TT once.

Cumbrian businessman Mr Bird said: "We've never looked forward to working with anyone so much before and we know Michael will do a good job for us. These are exciting times for Stobart Motorsport and signing Michael is the icing on the cake."

Michael Ruter added: "I was in the fortunate position of having a number of lucrative offers for 2006 but I have chosen to go with Birdy as I think that's where I have the best chance of winning. The team is well up for it and so am I and I can't wait to start testing."

Both Ruter and Laverty will ride Honda Fireblades for the Stobart Motorsport team.