Samsung Honda boss Havier Beltran got two riders into the MCE British Superbike Showdown at the end of Sunday's outings at Donington Park but was left worried by Ryuichi Kiyonari's performance at the Leicestershire track.
The Japanese three-time champion scored only eight points from a possible 50 and admitted himself that he was 'just too slow'. It appears Kiyonari has returned to the form with which he began the season and speaking directly after race two, Beltran doesn't seem to have an answer.
"We are really struggling and just not got the package right for him and he is not enjoying it. He has been very good about machine and setup, and everything else, but it's not right. It's not good enough for him to be able to perform the way that he wants to.
"Whatever it is that is missing, we have got to figure it out. He is in the Showdown now, whether that has been a worry I really don't know. We have really got to turn this around otherwise it is going to end as another difficult season with Kiyonari.
"Something has happened but I don't want to surmise or guess. Either we are not getting it right with him or he is not understanding it or both. You can't force a ride to push with all the heart and feeling. Something isn't inspiring him to push and ride at that limit. The limit he is at is where he is comfortable but we need a lot more. You are not going to win races at that pace."
At the other end of the scale, Beltran celebrated a double win with Alex Lowes, with the 22-year-old rider closing Shane Byrne down to just six points heading to Assen.
"The plan coming to Donington for Alex was to try and do the double. It was all about building up the race wins to take us into the Showdown. He has worked so hard and I am so pleased for him because that is exactly what he has done.
"We have had two rounds where the free practice sessions were lost to the weather and he has turned it around, taken the double now Assen and Silverstone where we believe we can be very strong. Now he has, in his memory and emotions, that feeling and that ability that he can beat those guys on the track."
