Buildbase BMW’s Ryuichi Kiyonari says he has had trouble sleeping in the run up to the MCE British Superbike finale at Brands Hatch this weekend and feel like a kid at Christmas.

The Japanese former champion wants to take a fourth title at the expense of Shane Byrne and has compared it to his first-ever title win in 2006 when he was with a new team and a new bike.

“I’m feeling like a little kid at Christmas, every time I close my eyes to sleep I get excited thinking about the races this weekend. Nobody knows what will happen, it’ll be a surprise,” said Kiyo.

“I’m so excited even I can’t sleep. The situation is like when I won the championship in 2010, and I had to win all three races to take the title. It’s the same situation but the rivals, the bikes and the circuit are different.

“But actually it feels more like 2006 when I won my first ever title. I feel the same excitement and enthusiasm as everything is new and enjoyable: new bike, new team and new rivals. Whether that’s good or bad I don’t know… I can tell you after Brands Hatch!

“Nobody expected us to be pushing for the title in year one, but I like to be P1 in everything. I want to be first in free practice, in qualifying and in every race. I want to win all three races and win the championship this weekend. I want my fourth title, BMW Motorrad’s first and to win it for Stuart Hicken and the Hawk Racing team.”