Monday, October 17 2011
Ryuichi Kiyonari and HM Plant Honda manager Havier Beltran have confirmed to Dave from the Bike Insurer that they will be parting company and that Kiyo will not racing for HM Plant Honda in the 2012 Season. The decision ends a successful time with the HM Plant Team in which Kiyo brought 43 race wins and 3 Championship titles.
Kiyo began riding for the HM Plant team at BSB level in 2004, winning his maiden BSB title in 2006, going on to repeat the feat in 2007.
A two-year stint in WSBK followed with Team Ten Kate, with Kiyonari winning three races in 2008 at Brands and Donington but his form fluctuated in 2009, prompting a return to British Super Bikes the following year, once more with HM Plant Honda.
Going on to win the title after succeeding in a three-way shoot-out between himself, Josh Brookes and Tommy Hill, Kiyonari started amongst the favourites to make it four titles in 2011, but has struggled for consistency this year.
Ending the season in sixth, well behind the title contenders, Kiyonari is now considering his options after Beltran confirmed he won’t be returning to his team in 2012.
Havier Beltran said “It has been a difficult season for Kiyo; with him the HM Plant Honda team has won three titles in British Super Bikes and scored 43 race wins which makes him the most successful rider in British Super Bike History.
“We want to thank Kiyo for the successes we have celebrated together over the years. He will always be part of the Honda family and we wish him all the best for the future, in whatever he decides to do, as he will not be returning to the HM Plant Honda team in 2012.”
We at the Bike Insurer would like to wish Kiyo all the best for the future in what ever class he decides to ride in; maybe another BSB Team?
