Honda confirm three year extension with Ten Kate, title sponsor and second rider yet to be announced

Ten Kate will continue to be supported by Honda Motor Europe  after agreeing a further three year deal to compete in the World Superbike Championship.

Over the last ten years the two companies have enjoyed unprecedented success in the World Supersport class having won eight world titles plus a WSB title back in 2007 with James Toseland.

Ten Kate Racing principal, Gerrit ten Kate, commented: “We are very happy to remain loyal to Honda. We have enjoyed a really good relationship for the past decade and enjoyed multiple world championships and race wins together. This new three-year agreement will enable us to continue with our technical development, our rider programme and to maintain a strong team structure. In the next few weeks we will finalise those three ingredients to prepare for the future.”

While the confirmation of ongoing support is positive for the team, the Dutch squad are yet to announce its title sponsor for 2011 and their second rider to join the team alongside Brit Jonathan Rea.

The squad were close to signing a deal to bring Toseland back to the team, but due to a lack of title sponsor were unable to make a firm offer meaning that the double WSB champion signed for the all new BMW Motorrad Italia squad. .

Current Moto2 rider Alex De Angelis has emerged as a serious contender for the role, but it remains unclear if he is prepared to make the switch or try and stay in the MotoGP paddock.