AT Portsmouth Motorcycles' open day I had a chance for a quick word with HM Plant Honda Racing Team's Michael Rutter, and asked how he felt at Brands:

"Disappointed. We knew Kiyo was going to go out there and set the world on fire, but I made a mess of the first race, picking the wrong front tyre.

"The second race came together a bit better, but I should have been a bit more aggressive. Then Kiyo got away and that was the end of that."

I spoke to his teammate, Ryuichi Kiyonari, and asked what he hoped for at Thruxton.

"I hope that it's good. I try to ride good, I like England." The language may have been limited but his enthusiasm wasn't.

I was invited for the weekend to the Thruxton meeting by the Airwaves Ducati Team. Airwaves chewing gum is the title sponsor of GSE Racing's Airwaves Ducati team with riders James Haydon and Leon Haslam.

James is currently injured and on the sidelines so Gregorio Lavilla rides in his place.

Friday, testing day, the tracksides were empty, save for a few diehards able to get the time off work to watch.

With limited time on the track, teams have to ensure they communicate efficiently. For an hour everyone was under pressure to ensure the best performance was achieved. A crash the other side of the track, Yamaha rider Richard Wren takes a tumble, an ambulance arrives. It does not look good.

To and from the Airwaves Ducati hospitality area is an extreme sport in itself, dodging scooters taking teams to and from the pits, John Reynolds grinning on his scooter with crutches precariously attached on the back!

Saturday provided high tension, with the team watching the screens in the pits which indicate times and positions of the riders. The atmosphere is electric.

Kiyo takes a tumble, but he's OK, unceremoniously hosed down when he gets back to the pit. Leon Haslam also takes a tumble. We hear it's not too serious - a nick on his hand - but he has achieved second on the grid. Michael takes first, Kiyo is fifth with Gregorio on seventh.

I grabbed a chance to speak to Gregorio, pictured right. He tells me: "We are trying to improve the bike, it was not working properly, I was going in and out (of the pits). I did a fast lap but we are struggling to do a little bit more than that. Things are going much better now and the bike is improved.

"I like Thruxton. Last year, my first time here, I rode well, I don't have any trouble with the track. Ducatis need more work on this track than the others."

"At home, I don't own a motorcycle, I have dirt bikes, I need the change. I spend some time in England but my training system is in Spain with the bikes and gym.

"I enjoyed Moto GP last year. If I had a chance of a good bike I would consider that but I really want to find a good team to go into the World Superbikes.

"I have a lot of experience. I know the tracks, the riders, the system. I'm really hungry to be there and fight for the championship."

Walking, towards the paddock area, Richard Wren comes over on crutches from his earlier spill. I asked what the damage was.

"I was knocked out completely - which means an automatic eight-day ban - sprained both my ankles, one is worse than the other. I feel absolutely gutted."

The despondency in his face is evident, though with youth on his side, I doubt it will be long before we see him back in his first year with Virgin Mobile Samsung Yamaha.

Sunday, race day, Thruxton is transformed. Stalls, hot dog stands, spectators vying for best positions, media, celebrities, the buzz of expectation and excitement.

Roaring of the engines, smell of burnt rubber and oil. There is no place like it for adrenaline. You may get a better view from watching the race at home on TV but go home for the highlights. If you want to live the experience you have to be there!

Thank you to Airwaves Ducati for making us welcome and opening our eyes.