Ryuichi Kiyonari is still battling for the British Superbike championship, but he earned a mid season celebration with his 3rd Suzuka 8 hour win. Kiyonari won the Suzuka 8 hour in 2005, 2008, and 2010. The Suzuka 8 Hour was all about Honda, as the Japanese manufacturer took all three top spots. It is Honda's 22nd Suzuka 8 hour win.
"I am very happy to have won the race with the Honda MuSashi Harc Pro team; the last time I raced here I won so I am happy to have done it again,” said Kiyonari, who won his third Suzuka 8 Hour with the help of teammate Takumi Takahashi. “The team worked very hard and it was a long race, but it was another good challenge for me. I am now ready to come back to the UK for the World Superbike Championship round at Silverstone."
Makoto Tamada and Shinichi Itoh took second place, while Jonathan Rea and Kousuke Akiyoshi completed the podium.
"First of all, I want to thank all my team and the Japanese fans. It was a tough day. We had some unexpected troubles and mistakes, so to be honest I am not so happy," said Rea. "Yet working well together with Akiyoshi and repeatedly telling myself 'never give up, keep going', we were able to get into third place. If I have a chance, I want to participate in the Suzuka 8 Hours again!"
