Buildbase BMW’s Ryuichi Kiyonari was feeling confident ahead of the two MCE British Superbike races at Oulton Park yesterday – but his hopes of a possible podium were dashed as he experienced two technical problems.
He failed to finish a race and ended the weekend without a single point, putting a dent to his championship hopes. The triple champ had the race-pace to compete with the other top riders, and even started on the front row in race two. He was on course for a provisional rostrum finish but in a repeat of the opening race he failed to cross the finishing line – leaving him feeling disappointed.
"I started the race weekend on Saturday a little bit disappointed because I was very slow and a bit lost and confused of how to ride Oulton Park. But on Sunday I got a bit better, and I did improve my lap times, but I was just unlucky as my engine stopped, but I don’t know what exactly happened,” said Kiyo, speaking to bikesportnews.com at the circuit.
"In race two I just stopped and oil was coming out of my bike. But looking back to Brands Hatch and in race two it was not that bad - and at the end of the race, before I stopped I enjoyed it and was catching up with [James] Ellison.
“I do think that I will have a podium soon, as the speed is good and the lap times are not too bad. I just need a good start and to finish a race too."
