Ryuichi Kiyonari goes into the Knockhill round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship seeking a repeat of his winning double of last year, as he tries to reel in defending title holder Gregorio Lavilla in the points standings.

The exciting Japanese rider is the form man of the series, winning three of the previous four races to close in on his Airwaves Ducati rivals, Lavilla and Leon Haslam, but he knows that nothing comes easily at this short, but demanding circuit.

"It is very interesting to ride, but not easy - last year I won there, but both races were tough," said the 23-year-old HM Plant Honda of the Scottish circuit.

Kiyonari, who won a dozen races last year but still had to settle for second best in the title stakes, has had a slow start to the 2006 campaign. However, he is back on winning pace - as his double last time out at Snetterton underlined - and Lavilla is beginning to feel the heat.

The Spanish ace took an uncharacteristic tumble at the Norfolk circuit and that saw his advantage slashed by both team-mate Leon Haslam, now 38 points down, and Kiyonari, just a further two points adrift.

There are no team orders at Airwaves and Haslam, who has been second in each of the previous four races, is at his most determined to enjoy a first success of the season to boost his hopes of maiden title glory.

However, the two Knockhill races will be far from a scrap between the leading trio in the points tables. Rizla Suzuki's former champion Shane Byrne, back in action after a heavy tumble in the previous round, tested strongly recently at Croft circuit, running well on the pace and could pose a major threat up front. He also has good memories of racing at the circuit, having taken a winning double in his title winning 2003 season.

Karl Harris, riding the second HM Plant Honda, and Jonathan Rea, aboard the Red Bull Honda, are also overdue some success - as are Stobart Motorsport Honda riders Michael Laverty and Michael Rutter. Keep an eye on Tommy Hill riding the Virgin Mobile Yamaha – he is looking for a positive showing to boost his confidence ahead of riding in next month's British round of the World Superbike championship at Brands Hatch. The Lingfield rider is running into good form, taking a third place last time out at Snetterton.

Scott Smart made his Superbike racing debut at Knockhill a decade ago and then won at the venue a couple of years ago - he would delight in another success this time around in what is proving to be a tough campaign, despite a wet race win, aboard the Vivaldi Suzuki.