Buildbase BMW’s Ryuichi Kiyonari has a lot to celebrate this evening. Not only did he secure his teams first win and podium in the MCE British Superbike class, it was also his maiden victory of the year – his first for nearly three seasons.
The three-time champion was so close to doing the double – which would have been his first for ten years, but was just pipped to the post by Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki’s Shane Byrne in race two. Even though he didn’t take away the maximum 50 points today, Kiyo showed all the fans he still has the passion and determination to win.
The Japanese rider was languishing in ninth in the overall standings before the Scottish round, but now he’s up to fifth and is definitely in contention for a Showdown spot.
"It was a very good race and I am so happy because this is important; it is a win again for me and also the first for BMW. I had a crash this morning in warm up and that made me very nervous before the race because it lost me confidence and I didn't want to make another mistake,” said Kiyonari at the circuit.
“Then at the start of the race it all came back to me and I knew I could push hard. I didn't want Shakey to catch me and I tried very hard to keep the gap. I hope for the same again soon, because we want more wins now we have one.”
“I am disappointed with not winning the second race, but I am happy with the double podium, but Shakey is really fast. I just tried to follow him to pass, but it was difficult as I made many mistakes, and everything is my fault.
“At the next round I will try and win again, and Brands Hatch is my favourite track. It is not easy but I want to get a podium or win the next time out, and make less mistakes. I just made too many mistakes today, I couldn’t pass at first, then I did, then he got past again.
“It was a really good race. I just want to thank all of my team for all their help this weekend too. I am really looking forward to Brands Hatch. Now I am feeling good after my win in the first race, and I am going to keep trying hard too.”
