World Superbikes: Hannspree Ten Kate Honda confirm 2008 rider line-up

Hannspree Ten Kate Honda has confirmed its 2008 rider line-up with both MotoGP’s Carlos Checa and defending British Superbike champion Ryuichi Kiyonari set to race in the World Superbike Championship.

The pair had been rumoured to join the Netherlands-based team for several weeks, but this is the first time the team has officially named them as part of their 2008 campaign as newly crowned champion James Toseland moves on to MotoGP.

Carlos Checa and Ryuichi Kiyonari will be joined in the World Superbike Championship by 2007 World Supersport champion Kenan Sofuoglu.

British Superbike star Jonathan Rea has already been confirmed as a World Supersport rider for next season with Hannspree Ten Kate Honda and will be joined by Australian Andrew Pitt.

Team Manager, Ronald ten Kate, said: “After such a successful 2007 season, we wanted to build a team that brings the same kind of success for 2008 and beyond. This is why we have chosen to go with some very young riders in both the Superbike and Supersport class.

“We are confident that we can do well in developing these riders.”

Hannspree has also confirmed it will continue its sponsorship with Ten Kate Honda until 2010.