Kagayama out for podiums in final ride for Alstare Suzuki

Yukio Kagayama wants to step on the podium in his last ride for the Alstare Suzuki WSB squad at Portimao. Having spent five years racing for Alstare in WSB, Kagayama will return to BSB in 2010 to race the Worx Suzuki.

During his career Kagayama has competed in 118 races with four wins, 16 podiums and four fastest laps. He has also played a pivotal role in the development of the GSXR1000 and was one of the first people his team-mate Troy Corser thanked when he was crowned champion in 2005.

Kagayama’s last race wins came in 2006, the current season has been particularly tough with the Japanese 35 year old lying 12th in the overall standings.

He said: “It is no secret that this season has been quite hard for me and my team, but recently things have been going much better. It’s a little sad leaving Suzuki Alstare after such a long time because I have made so many friends and have had a good time with them. But, things change and I will go to the BSB next year and try my best to win the championship. I have many friends and fans in UK, so this will not be difficult for me. Before I go though, I would like to finish with a podium or two in Portimao so that I can say a big thank you to the team and Francis.”

Kagayama will get a new team-mate this weekend with Frenchman Sylvan Guintoli getting an early call up to the team after signing for the factory Suzuki squad for 2010.

He said: “It’s hard to describe my feelings about racing for a factory team like Suzuki Alstare next weekend. Originally, I thought that I would be carrying on with Suzuki in the British Championship, but then an offer came along, at the last minute, for me to race in the Superbike World Championship and I just couldn’t say no. It is a fantastic opportunity and I would like to thank Francis (Batta), Suzuki Japan, Suzuki GB and all concerned for giving this great chance.
I have seen on TV how competitive World Superbikes is and I am really looking forward to this challenge. The series is exciting and very tough and I think it is going to be a big, but wonderful challenge, for us all.”