Kiyonari: More aggression needed for Oulton

Three times MCE British Superbike champion Ryuichi Kiyonari says he needs to find more aggression ahead of this weekend’s Oulton Park round, after losing out at Thruxton in both races to Shane Byrne and Josh Brookes.

The Japanese rider, who has two race wins to his name already this year, says that with so many vital podium credits up for grabs, he needs to be further forward this year. A slow start to the season for him has left him trailing way behind Byrne in the fight, despite his two wins so far.

“I wasn’t aggressive enough at Thruxton; I can only think of winning now. We didn’t win there, we had podiums, but every round we are getting better. I have to be racing against Shakey and Josh this weekend; we cannot go backwards and be behind them. It is difficult but we need to be stepping up all of the time, every session and every race. I have big confidence because the bike is fast and I feel very strong.”

“I have a lot of hunger for the win, not going completely crazy, especially last time I was so close to win! I saw the pit board and couldn’t believe there were only two laps left and that was too late. Sure we want to get them this time, I am excited with every session and every lap and we will try again this weekend.” 

“I was disappointed because I wasn’t aggressive enough last weekend, but for Oulton Park I want to change this. I want to keep them behind me and keep pushing to try and beat them. There are many fast riders on track, but I can only think of winning now. Knockhill we won, Brands Hatch we won, but Thruxton we had no win and that was disappointing.”

The next round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship, a triple-header, takes place at Oulton Park in Cheshire this weekend (8/9/10 August). For more information and to book tickets click here.