Buildbase BMW’s Ryuichi Kiyonari was heading up the MCE British Superbike timesheets during the official testing session at Donington Park today, but the triple-champ highsided at Redgate which meant he slipped down the order to third fastest overall. But even after the tumble in the gravel Kiyo was not hurt and only suffered minor aches and pains, and will be back to fight for a fourth title next week.

Kiyo put down a 1’31.375, in very cold and windy conditions, only to be pipped to the post by PBM Kawasaki’s Shane Byrne and Be Wiser Kawasaki’s Danny Buchan – who both benefitted from Kiyo’s mistake. The Japanese rider was trying to go faster and was testing the pace on his two BMW machines, but he lost grip and his final session of the day came to an abrupt halt. He is enjoying the new S1000RR and has started on the same set-up as last year, but with two bikes Kiyonari can get a real taste of what works and what doesn’t on the new model.

“I just tried to go faster and try a different acceleration but I lost the rear grip and then high-sided. I have a brand new BMW and I have two bikes, they are the same bike but I am trying different things. The set-up is the same as last year, but it is a bit different feeling being on the new bike - the engine feels a bit different, and power too. It does feel good,” said Kiyo, speaking to bikesportnews.com at the track.

“Shakey has a problem with his hand and as riders we both have the same bike and team and that’s why I can get a fast time quite quickly as I know the team, and the bike is good, and it is not scary. I feel the normal pain after a crash, but I am fine and ready for next week.”