Kiyonari Disappointed Not To Get On Podium
April 9, 2008
Ryuichi Kiyonari had a mixed weekend in Valencia, not finishing in the first race but then putting in an impressive performance to finish fourth in the second race at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit.
The HANNspree Ten Kate Honda rider has gone from strength to strength since moving from British Superbikes (he was 2007 champion) to the World Superbikes championship, although the Japanese rider is still not totally satisfied with his performance.
“It’s better than Australia, but I’m still disappointed because at the beginning of the race I was very slow,” said Kiyonari. “At the start of the weekend my aim was to run in the front group but when I qualified on the second row my target changed and I wanted to be on the podium.”
“Before the start of the race I felt confident in the set-up of the bike and my tyre choice.
“I thought I would be fast but it was difficult to pass at this track especially Fonsi Nieto on the Suzuki, which is very quick.
“I was able to make good passes into turn two – this is my corner.
“I am good under braking and into the corners but to pass there you need big balls.
“I still feel that I need to be smoother and carry more corner speed. My feeling with the tyres is coming better and now I am starting to understand.”
While Kiyonari is getting stronger as the season goes on, he will be in for a tough test over the next three rounds, where he has limited to no experience of the tracks at Asse, Monza and Salt Lake City.
“Before each race I have been able to test at the circuit which has made things a lot easier, but the next three races will be more difficult.
“The only one I know is Assen but still I have not raced on the track since the layout changed so it will be very hard.”
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