Ryuichi Kiyonari clipped two tenths of a second off the Brands Hatch Indy circuit lap record to underline his challenge for victories in the opening round of the Bennetts British SUperbike Championship on Easter Monday.

The HM Plant Honda rider consistently set the pace throughout and reacted quickly when Leon Haslam threatened his domination towards the end of the afternoon session, putting in a best lap time of 45.974s, an average speed on 96.01 mph.

The 22 year old Japanese rider has set a hot pace throughout close season testing and comfortable with his Fireblade is looking to start this season in the same way that he ended last, with a double victory.

He will be hard pressed, just 0.384 seconds separated the three riders closest to him. Haslam, making his debut with the Airwaves Ducati looked impressive, while Karl Harris, the triple British Supersport Champion, closed in, edging Michael Rutter into fourth place on the leaderboard.

Rutter, last season's runner-up, reckons this season presents his best opportunity to take the elite crown: “Last year we had a good package, and this year it is even better, but, nothing is easy, and I feel the major threat to my hopes is posed by my team-mate Kiyonari.”

There are others also. Jeremy McWilliams, the 40 year old Ulsterman, back in domestic action after 13 seasons in grand prix action, is on the pace aboard the Stobart Honda, with a best lap of 46.374s, ahead of circuit specialist Sean Emmett, who despite taking a tumble, without injury in the afternoon, was sixth fastest on the Virgin Mobile Samsung Yamaha.

Defending champion John Reynolds meanwhile was languishing in 21 ^st position, with a best lap time around the 1.2262 mile Kent circuit of 47.674secs. “I am a lot happier than the times might suggest - importantly I am comfortable on the bike and will get there.”

It was a remarkable performance by the Rizla Suzuki rider who only five weeks earlier had shattered his right leg in five places in a crash during testing - he rode with his leg protected by both a pneumatic splint and a specially made boot.

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