Double trouble for BSB opposition - April 20th 2005

The blistering pace set by Ryuichi Kiyonari at the previous two rounds and team-mate Michael Rutter's knowledge of his local track spells trouble for HM Plant Honda Racing's title rivals at round three of the 2005 Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Mallory Park.

Twenty-two-year-old Kiyonari is leading the championship on a maximum of 100 points- 28 clear of his nearest rival - following four victories from four starts. The Japanese rider is aiming to continue his winning streak and maintain his leading position this weekend. Kiyonari achieved two strong finishes - third and fourth - aboard the HM Plant Honda Racing CBR1000RR Fireblade at the Leicestershire circuit last year, which is indicative of his preference for the type of track.

However, Kirkby Mallory-based Rutter is equally determined to regain the upper hand on his team-mate and other title rivals. The Mallory Park lap record holder's first aim is to seize second place from Gregorio Lavilla, who is currently just three points ahead of the experienced 31-year-old in the ultra-competitive series. The Midlander knows his home circuit well and aims to use this to his advantage in the battle for Superbike supremacy.

Michael Rutter: "I'm looking forward to Mallory Park, because it's my local track and I think that I can get a good result. It's important to remain close to Kiyo in the overall points standings and not let him stretch his lead too far. It will be tough to beat him because he has the HM Plant Honda Racing CBR1000RR Fireblade perfectly set-up for his riding style and he is fast, but I know the track well so we should have two exciting races."

Ryuichi Kiyonari: "Mallory Park was difficult for me last year, but I got good results there. My aim is to put in lots of practice laps on Friday and Saturday before the races, so that I get to know the track even better. Michael is going to be hard to beat because he has ridden at Mallory Park so many times, but I am just concentrating on doing well for HM Plant Honda Racing. I appreciate all of the support that they have given me."