Hanspree Ten Kate Honda has announced that it has retained the services of Johnny Rea for the 2011 season. Rea is two years into his three-year contract with Ten Kate, with the Dutch-based team having an option to renew the Irishman for another year. Currently third in the World Superbike series, Rea joined Ten Kate Honda in 2008 as one of the team’s World Supersport riders, where he finished second to teammate Andrew Pitt.
Rea had previously been linked to the MotoGP silly season rumors, but with this announcement his feet will firmly stay-put in WSBK. “I’m really happy to be staying with this fantastic team for another season,” said Rea. “We’re all pulling in the same direction and we’re all really excited about the prospects for the Honda CBR1000RR Even though I’m still only 23, the team has taught me an enormous amount about world championship racing, both on the track and off it and I’ve become a regular race winner.”
“To become a championship winner, I recognise that I need continuity and that’s what I’ve got now. It’s no secret that my ultimate ambition is to compete in GPs but I’ll still only be 24 next season so I’m really happy to aim for the World Superbike title in 2011 and then hopefully take the next step forward after that within the Honda family.”
Source: Ten Kate Honda
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