Existing lap record holder Michael Rutter has a 43-point advantage in the championship standings ahead of Sunday’s two 25-lap races. However, with talented team-mate Ryuichi Kiyonari back on form following his third double victory of the season at round seven at Knockhill, the title is by no means secure for the Midlander.



Rutter is eager to score two race wins at the 1.952-mile track aboard the HRC-supported CBR1000RR Fireblade to extend his lead, but he is in no doubt that the 22-year-old Japanese rider is, yet again, the man to beat. Although Kiyonari has less experience than his team-mate, he has displayed blistering pace on the factory-backed machine this season and shows no sign of backing-off.

Michael Rutter: “I’m looking forward to Snetterton because I performed well there last year and we have further developed the HM Plant Honda Racing CBR1000RR Fireblade. I really need to win both races this weekend to keep my hopes of winning the championship alive and to prove that Kiyo is not unbeatable – even though he has been at many circuits this year!”

Ryuichi Kiyonari: “Snetterton was quite a good circuit last year, but I had rear traction problems because it was one of the early rounds. I am much happier with the Michelin tyres this year and I hope to get good results in both races. I know that Michael is determined to win this weekend, so I will have to focus and work really hard to not let him pull away from me.”