Ruben Xaus to join Ten Kate Honda?

Spaniard Ruben Xaus is set to become the second rider in the Ten Kate Honda WSB team to ride alongside Brit Jonathan Rea in 2011. The 32 year old Spaniard is reported to have signed a deal this week that will see campaign the proven CBR1000RR.

Xaus, an 11 time WSB race winner and former title contender has had two tough seasons riding for the factory BMW squad alongside Troy Corser where he secured a best result of fifth. He last won a race in 2008 onboard the Sterilgarda Ducati at Misano.

Over recent weeks Ten Kate’s second rider has been the subject of endless speculation. The Dutch team were initially targeting former WSB champion James Toseland, but missed out on the chance to sign him when he elected to ride for the new BMW Motorrad Italia team.
Former MotoGP rider and current Moto2 man Alex De Angelis was also inline for the ride, but he has now confirmed that he will be staying in Moto2.

The Dutch team are expected to test at Portimao at the end of the month which will be Rea’s first ride back since undergoing surgery on his wrist he broke in Imola. It will also be Xaus’ first opportunity to acquaint himself with the Honda.