Kiyonari to miss pre-season testing?

Author: Oli Rushby Posted: 28 Feb 2015

Ryuichi Kiyonari could miss his team’s opening test of the 2015 season in Spain next week as he is stranded in Japan after an issue with his visa. 

Buildbase BMW are scheduled to join rivals PBM and Quattro Kawasaki at Almeria on Monday but with Kiyonari absent, it looks like youngster Lee Jackson will be flying solo for the Mallory Park-based outfit.

One of two favourites for this year’s title after missing out on his chance to clinch the coveted crown last season with a broken collarbone in the final round, Kiyonari will now be at a significant disadvantage to arch rival Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne who will be testing his 2015 ZX10-R for the second time in Almeria. 

If Kiyonari can’t make it to Europe in the next two weeks, it’s possible his 2015 track debut could be delayed until the official pre-season test at Donington Park on March 26^th with the exception of a quick shakedown at Mallory Park.

Tyco BMW, Halsall Suzuki, GB Moto Kawasaki and other teams will start their 2015 season at Cartagena on Thursday. 

The British Superbike season gets underway on Easter weekend at Donington Park.