Pata Honda team unveiled at Verona

Ten Kate Honda unveiled their new bikes and riders yesterday in Verona, with crisp manufacturer Pata taking over as principal backer of the Dutch team.

The team will this year feature two British riders, with Jonathan Rea being joined by Leon Haslam for the 2013 World Superbike Championship.

Dutch rookie Michael van der Mark and Italian Lorenzo Zanetti, who will spearhead Honda’s World Supersport campaign, were also unveiled at the launch.

“This is a really exciting moment,” said Rea after the unveiling of the team and its new racing livery. “I think the bikes and the leathers look great and we know that there are some exciting developments for the CBR for this season, so I can’t wait for it to start.”

Haslam added: “It’s great for me to be back with Honda for 2013 and I’m really happy with the whole look of the Pata Honda team. We’ve got a two day test in Jerez next week before all the kit has to be packed up for Australia. The first round can’t come soon enough for me!”