Imola Exclusive: Rea commits next two years to WSB with Ten Kate

MCN can exclusively reveal that Britain’s Jonathan Rea will remain a WSB rider with the Ten Kate Honda squad in 2010 and 2011.

Despite receiving massive interest from rival WSB teams and MotoGP squads Rea has renegotiated his contract to stay with the Dutch team in a bid to win the World Championship.

Rea currently sits fourth in the 2009 series standings having won two races in his rookie WSB season.

As a result of his stunning form and future potential, Ten Kate Honda made it their priority to secure the determined 22 year old in their championship winning squad.

Speaking to MCN on Thursday night at Imola, Rea said: “I had a few distractions, flattering distractions mid way through the year from other teams, but now I know that I want to stay here and win the championship. The new contract has made my future clearer.

“Now I know what will happen and when it will happen. I’m committing the next two years to WSB and by 2011 I’m still only going to be 24 years old – so there are still plenty of options.

“We started the season slowly for which I take part of the blame and we’ve turned what was a rough diamond into a formidable package capable of race wins. Now for next year we aim to turn it into a proven championship winning package.

“If I can win the championship next year I want to stay in 2011 and defend it. There are no automatic thoughts on going to MotoGP.”

Team boss Ronald Ten Kate was clearly delighted to retain the talents of the young Brit. Ten Kate signed Rea at the end of 2007 to ride for their World Supersport squad where he finished second.

On the strength of his results and previous form on a Superbike in BSB the team gave him the opportunity to race in WSB in 2009.

Despite lining up alongside more experienced team-mates Carlos Checa and Ryuichi Kiyonari, Rea quickly established himself as the team number one in terms of results and has subsequently lead development of the Ten Kate Honda.

Ten Kate said: “We knew Jonathan was pure talent when we signed him and during the last year he has grown as a rider and a person and has matured a lot. After the results this season found the need to upgrade contract.

“Not just financially but more in depth in terms of what will happen and when. We’ve been discussing his contract for one month and we have deep belief in him.”