RYUICHI KIYONARI retained the British Superbike title on Sunday at Brands Hatch.

Japanese rider Kiyonari did just enough to clinch the crown, after finishing third in race one, while Spanish rider Gregorio Lavilla was the star on the day after taking two race wins.

Honda's Kiyonari only needed a top four finish to take the title for a second year running to leave championship outsider Jonathan Rea without a hope.

Brands was packed again for the British Superbike championship, which was making its second visit of the season, as three riders had a chance of taking the title on the final round of the season.

Kiyonari knew the championship was all but his, although Rea and distant challenger Leon Haslam had a mathematical chance of success.

None of them were able to keep up with Spaniard Lavilla though as he swept to wins in both races.

"The double win was great," he said. "For two years in a row I have had bad luck in this championship but I’m happy to have done the double at Brands."

Rea claimed two second place finishes and Kiyonari followed up his third place with a fourth in race two.

Ducati racer Haslam was off the pace and could only manage a fourth and fifth place.

Sittingbourne racer Shane Byrne had little to smile about on his home circuit, as he followed up a sixth place finish in race one, with a crash in race two.

Byrne crashed out from third place after tumbling off at Paddock Hill bend for the second year running.

He said: "It's a disappointing end to the season and I really wanted a podium place but I probably tried too hard and paid the price."

Maidstone racer Scott Smart ended his season on the Kawasaki Hawk with an 11th and 12th place finish.

Final standings: Kiyonari (Honda) 433pts, Rea (Honda) 407, Haslam (Ducati) 387, Lavilla (Ducati) 368, Byrne (Honda) 293.