Kagayama adds fuel to BSB return rumour

Rumours that Yukio Kagayama could return to BSB have gained some creedence after Worx Suzuki boss Jack Valentine agreed at Silverstone the Japanese rider’s name had been linked to Suzuki’s choice of a second rider for 2010.

Kagayama’s outgoing personality and aggressive riding style won him the hearts of BSB when he rode for the Rizla Suzuki team in 2003/2004 but has been blighted by injuries sinces going to WSB 2005. Now it looks like the end of the line for him in the Alstare team and Suzuki may be keen to place him back in BSB. 

Kagayama certainly isn’t ruling out a BSB return and told MCN: “I am a big fan of BSB and I like racing there a lot. Now I need to look for a good superbike ride and if I got one in BSB I would go there to do my best and, like always, give it full gas. First of all I must speak with Alstare and Suzuki in Japan to find out the situation. I think I will know more in the next two weeks.”

Valentine has already signed Sylvain Guinoli for next year with continued backing from Worx – the deal was done just before the Croft BSB round on September 10 – and said then that the team is looking for extra  budget to add a second rider, preferably a young gun.

Tommy Hill’s name has been in the frame since then, given his appearances on the Worx bike and Mallory and Brands. With Guintoli returning form injury, Hill was sidelined and then hooked up with Hydrex Honda but he’s still in favour with Valentine as a potential second rider for 2010.

But Valentine also admitted to MCN: “I’d be lying if Yukio’s name hadn’t been mentioned.”

If there’s no place for him at Worx Suzuki, the other option might be with the Relentless Suzuki team – as a straight replacement for Atsushi Watanabe who has had another difficult season in the championship.

Kagayama might fit the bill,  especially with team boss Philip Neill saying how imperative his team wins races next year.  But with Ian Lowry doing so well in his rookie season and Alastair Seeley showing so much promise in his BSB debut on the Evo bike at Silverstone, Neil faces some tough decisiuons to make on his rider line-up.