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Satoru Horiike, the executive vice-president of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), was present as the 24-year-old Japanese rider stormed to a double British Superbike race victory at Croft at the weekend on a HM Plant Honda.

Horiike said that a move up to World Superbikes with Ten Kate - even though HRC have no official involvement in the series - was a major option for Kiyonari, who is closing in on a second straight BSB title.

And he even admitted that they were considering placing him in Moto GP, even though this was a less likely destination for him.

"We hope Kiyo will get an opportunity to race at world level in 2008," Horiike told MCN. "Ten Kate? That's one option. Moto GP, Hmmmm. There's a chance but we're not sure. It's very difficult to comment."

Kiyonari himself said that he needs to step up next season, even though that means he would have to win five of the remaining six races of the year to break John Reynolds' all-time BSB wins record of 38.

Although he has never raced in World Superbikes, Kiyonari has competed in Moto GP before,with Gresini Honda in 2003 and then on a one-off with Pons Honda in 2005.

Eurosport