WSBK Portimao – Kiyonari withdraws from final round

Ryuichi Kiyonari has withdrawn from the final round of the World Superbike Championship at Portimao.
Kiyonari was 11th in the standings with 141 points before his pull out.
The Ten Kate Honda rider broke his right collarbone for the second time this year, the last time being at in Magny-Cours, and after taking part in free practice and Q1 on Friday and decided to pull out due to the pain, discomfort and for safety reasons.

“You can imagine that I am very disappointed to miss out on this final race of the season.
I am especially sorry for my team, who have worked so hard this season.
I would also like to apologise to Honda and the sponsors of the team.
I wanted to race but, after I spoke with doctors and the team, we decided that it was not possible.
It’s a shame to end the season this way but now I want to get my shoulder fixed so that I am fit again for next year.

”Kiyonari, despite taking two 3rd place podiums this year at Monza has not been re-confirmed by Ten Kate Honda, who slimmed down their rider line-up from three to two and prefering to keeo Jonathan Rea and sign up Max Neukirchner for their 2010 season.

Kiyonari may return to the British Superbike Championship or back to racing in his home country, even if rumors have him in Stiggy Racing, if Stigfelt can find some financial backing.