DONINGTON DOUBLE FOR HONDA DUO
19 September 2004 - Honda Racing

Ryuichi Kiyonari and Michael Rutter dominated Donington Park for a stunning second double in the final race of the British Superbike Championship.

Kiyonari scored his first two victories of the season at the 2.5-mile Leicestershire circuit with Rutter claiming two second positions.

The black and orange CBR1000RR Fireblades quickly pulled away from the rest of the pack and a tense battle ensued between the HM Plant Honda Racing team-mates. The Japanese rider emerged victorious after passing the chequered flag more than 11 seconds ahead of the championship runner-up.

The two HM Plant Hondas took it in turns to set the best time over the first four laps of the race, with Rutter finally claiming the new lap record of 1:32.033. Leicestershire rider Rutter crossed the line more than 11 seconds in front of third-placed Sean Emmett.

The results place both riders in the top six of the championship, with Rutter scoring second position overall and Kiyonari taking sixth in the points table. Although John Reynolds had earlier claimed the title, he was denied a podium in the last race of an enthralling 13-round series.

Michael Rutter: “What a brilliant day for the team! Kiyo rode two perfect races and didn’t put a foot wrong and I managed to bring the other HM Plant Honda home behind him. We’ve had a good year and worked well together on the new CBR1000RR Fireblade.

“Overall I’m happy with second place in the championship and I’m confident that the team will be back next season – stronger than ever. We’ve had the perfect end to the year and we’ll be hoping to start next season as we finished this.”

Ryuichi Kiyonari: “I can’t describe how happy I am after winning today’s races. I must thank Honda and HM Plant for helping me this season. I also owe a lot to the team for providing me with such a strong set-up at Donington Park. I managed to get another perfect start and I went as quickly as I could in the early laps.

“After I had pulled out a gap, I watched my pit board and concentrated on bringing home the factory Fireblade. I’ve learnt a lot this year and I hope to carry this forward into next season.”

Race two result: 1. R. Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda Racing) 30:57.801; 2. M. Rutter (HM Plant Honda Racing) +11.862; 3. S. Emmett (Ducati) +23.062; 4. S. Smart (Kawasaki) +24.194; 5. Y. Kagayama (Suzuki) +24.521; 6. J. Reynolds (Suzuki) +26.271; 7. D. Thomas (Ducati) +27.184; 8. J. Haydon (Yamaha) +33.864; 9. J. Ellison (Yamaha) +34.186; 10. S. Plater (Yamaha) +37.151

Final points: 1. Reynolds – 446; 2. Rutter – 417; 3. Kagayama – 335; 4. Smart – 330; 5. Emmett – 315; 6. Kiyonari – 234; 7. Thomas – 193; 8. Haydon – 181; 9. Hill – 137; 10. Richards – 125

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