Ryuichi Kiyonari was crowned Bennetts British Superbike Champion in front of packed audience at the International Motorcycle Show and the HM Plant Honda rider confirmed that he will be back to defend his hard earned title in 2007.

And, his main rivals from the past season, Leon Haslam and Gregorio Lavilla, who eased Airwaves Ducati title as they finished just behind the Japanese rider in the standings revealed that they will be back for more next year.

Kiyonari, the first Japanese rider to win this country's premier crown, reflected on his title winning campaign: “Very good, bike very good. I enjoy. The races were very hard, but I take the title for Honda and yes, I will be coming back to race here next year, when I want to win the title again.”

He will be under intense pressure as the Ducati riders bid to take the glory.

Haslam, who took the runner-up spot had the consolation of winning the Audi Performance Award and with it a £50,000 limited edition Audi S4 for his overall speed in qualifying. He was also named as MCN `Man of the Year' and voted the `Riders rider of the Year' in the British championship.

“It's been a fantastic season for me, and while the last round was a bit of frustrating, I enjoyed it all, and was happy with my own performances,” said Haslam. “What a team I'm with - I can't wait to bring the British Championship title back to Britain.”

Lavilla, the stylish Spanish rider, who had won the title in 2005, had to settle for third best, just behinfd his team-mate. “The team and myself will be fighting to get back to the top of the championship and will be stronger for the future - Yes I will be back to regain the title.”

The presentations took place on the central stage, with a fast moving audio video show hosted by Fred Clarke and Larry Carter, reliving the key moments of a busy, exciting and highly dramatic season - with footage from every round, the story of how the various titles were won was graphically illustrated.

Chris Martin was an emotional winner of the British Superbike Cup, while Honda's highly talented young rider, Jonathan Rea was named as the recipient of the Steve Hislop Memorial Trophy.

Cal Crutchlow, who graduates into Superbikes with the Rizla Suzuki team, was testing with the team, and also experiencing their MotoGP bike at Valencia, and he send video message reflecting his title winning success in the British Supersport Championship with the Northpoint Ekerold Honda team. And, Pete Spalding took the British Supersport Cup by winning all twelve rounds.

Daniel Cooper received the British 125GP Champions Trophy and Anthony Rogers the ACU Academy Cup, while Tom Grant took the Virgin Mobile Cup and with it a ride for Yamaha in next year's British Superbike championship. Brendan Roberts received the Metzeler Racetec National Superstock champion's trophy while Bob Collins took the Superstock Cup.

Looking ahead to next season, at seven rounds of the British Superbike Championship there will be an additional race featuring the KTM 990 Super Duke series which bring a new dimension and compelling racing to the package as they provide an easy cost effective way into national racing.

The 2007 action starts for real, as Kiyonari, Haslam and Lavilla line up on the Brands Hatch starting grid for the Easter Monday, 9 April opening round of the new campaign.