The 31-year-old won the Japanese title with Yoshimura Suzuki, having first taken the crown in 2002, and is acknowledged as one of the best riders in Japan. He has been placed in BSB by Suzuki with a clear aim of winning the championship.
Atsushi understands virtually no English but is learning fast. He said: "I know BSB is ultra competitive championship that requires high potential for riders and I have been keen on challenging there for long time to improve my riding skill.
"I am also exciting to ride in UK circuit of which course lay-out should be completely different from those in Japan circuits. I believe this should be a great honour for my racing career. Those have motivated me much to do so."
And the Black-eyed sushi fan is already setting his sights high. "Of course, if you were a rider, just one goal is to be a champion in BSB," he said. "For future, I hope to have a chance to ride at World Superbike or
MotoGP."
Atsushi has been speaking to former Suzuki BSB racer and current WSBK star Yukio Kagayama, who has been briefing him on what to expect - including the unique circuits and specifically Cadwell Park.
Excited at the prospect, Atsushi added that Britain holds a special place in his heart: "I am so happy to get a chance to ride in UK where Barry Sheene, the legend and my hero, were from."
"Atsushi Watanabe is one of the best kept secrets in Japan," claimed new Rizla Suzuki team manager Jack Valentine. "Since 2002 he has won two and finished runner up twice in the Japanese Superbike Championship, marking him as one of the best.
"He is also a real-life Suzuki Factory rider, with all the benefits in communication with the Japanese racing arm that will bring. The placement of Atsushi in BSB shows just how important the Championship is to Suzuki and its intentions that it wants to reclaim the title it won in 2004.
