MCE British Superbike title contender Ryuichi Kiyonari broke some ribs in a crash during today's Suzuka Eight-Hours and was prevented from returning to the track by doctors.

The Samsung Honda man, who was partnering Jonathan Rea, fell at Degner Two after hitting a small wet patch left by another crashing bike. His FCC-TSR Fireblade was quite badly damaged but he got it back to the garage.

“Kiyonari fell heavily when in a good lead. He managed to get back to the pit box, and we would have been able to fix the machine. But his ribs were broken and the doctor ordered him to stop the race. We had no option but to retire. We are full of regret – our riders did their best. We will come back and try again next year," said FCC TSR Honda Director Masao Takeda.

It is not yet known how serious Kiyonari's injuries are and whether it will prevent him from taking part in the Oulton Park BSB round on August 11.