Kiyonari doubles up at Mallory
Added on Sunday, June 27th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor
Kiyonari doubles up at Mallory
Ryuichi Kiyonari turned his pole position into a double victory at Mallory Park this afternoon, taking his first double since 2007.
As the first British Superbike race of the day got underway at the popular circuit, Kiyonari launched into the lead as the field weaved their way around lap one. With Michael Laverty and Michael Rutter tucked in close behind, Kiyonari was forced to defend early. However, Laverty found a way through, briefly into the lead, until Kiyonari regained the position.
drama hit by the third lap, when Martin Jessop and Dan Linfoot collided, bringing out the red flag. Linfoot luckily managed to work his way back to the pits, whilst Jessop was left with a leg injury which left him on the sidelines for the remainder of the afternoon.
As the race started once again, it was Laverty who took advantage of a quick getaway to take the lead. A few laps later, Josh Brookes caught Laverty off guard when he launched passed him into the lead. Before long, Kiyonari had fought his way back to the front, and was pressuring his HM Plant Honda teammate for the top spot. The pressure paid off, when Kiyonari slipped through into the lead again on lap eleven, from where he never looked back.
With Kiyonari on the top step of the podium, Brookes gave the team their first one-two finish since 2008, with Laverty in third. Rutter secured fourth place, whilst Stuart Easton fought through from a difficult qualifying session to finish fifth. The remainder of the top ten saw Chris Walker, Simon Andrews, John Laverty, Andrew Pitt and Alastair Seeley all play their part. After starting well up on the grid, championship leader Tommy Hill retired from the race on lap ten.
Race two was much of the same for Kiyonari, as he enjoyed another strong start, only briefly losing the lead at the very beginning.
It was also another one-two finish for the HM Plant Honda outfit, with Brookes again following his teammate home in second. Michael Laverty made his second visit to the podium, rounding out the top three.
Rutter also repeated his race one finishing position, with another fourth place finish, whilst Chris Walker rounded out the top five. John Laverty and Simon Andrews secured sixth and seventh place, respectively, whilst Hill recovered from a disappointing race one to finish eighth. Tommy Bridewell and Andrew pitt completed the top ten.
Commenting on his double triumph, Kiyonari said: “I am so happy with two wins today as it has moved me up in the championship and that is what is important. I knew that Josh was chasing me but I kept pushing and it paid off.”
The next round of the BSB championship is next weekend (3/4th July) at Scotland’s Knockhill circuit.
