Kiyonari in shock move to Buildbase BMW

MCE British Superbike Championship triple winner Ryuichi Kiyonari will dramatically leave Honda for the first time in his career as the Japanese star makes the switch ti Buildbase BMW for 2014 as he attempts to regain winning form after a dire 2013 season.

Kiyonari will join Stuart Hicken’s Leicestershire team alongside James Westmoreland, as he tries to recover from what he admits was a difficult year as Samsung Honda teammate to championship winner Alex Lowes.

Kiyonari, who admitted to MCN in an exclusive interview that he struggled in 2013 both with his confidence and with his team, is already confident he can win again on the German manufacturer.

“Many times last season I’ve been racing against these bikes, with James Westmoreland and Jon Kirhkam, and they’re so fast. I think they’ll suit my riding style. Maybe it’s too early to say the championship is possible, but I want to win it. I plan on winning the first race at Brands Hatch – the target is only to win. I don’t want to think about finishing second or third, just winning. I hope I’ll be able to get used to the bike quickly, and we will get some testing as early as possible. I’m really excited for the new season!”

For more news as well as the reaction to Honda’s withdrawal from BSB see this Wednesday 18 December’s MCN, while check out January 2nd’s for an exclusive interview with Kiyonari.