Double Japanese Superbike Champion, Atsushi Watanabe paid a fleeting visit to Knockhill recently to check out the Circuit he’s heard so much about, since signing for the Rizla Suzuki Team to contend the 2008 Bennett’s British Superbike Championship.
The 31 year old star, who will ride alongside team mate, Tom Sykes was keen to see exactly why it is that fellow riders talk about the challenge of the 1.3 mile track and who better to act as his knowledgeable chaperone, than triple British Superbike Champion and Scottish racing hero, Niall Mackenzie.
To assist Atsushi, who has a limited grasp of the English language, Rizla Suzuki have also assigned former champion, John Reynolds, to help him gain knowledge of other Circuits in the UK.
Said Niall, “Unfortunately, heavy rain put an end to the plan to allow Atsushi a wee run out, as it would have been too risky, but he did complete a few laps in a SEAT Cupra.”
Afterwards, Atsushi managed a wide smile and commented “will be good!”
You’re absolutely right, Atsushi – “will be good!”
