Ellison to get help from Ten Kate and Honda

James Ellison is set to get a technical boost to his American Superbike campaign after Ten Kate and Honda America agreed to work together to further develop the Honda CBR1000RR Superbike.

Ellison currently rides for the Corona Extra Honda Superbike team and although he’s not in the Honda America factory team he runs under their wing and is involved in testing and development of the Honda Fireblade.

Speaking to MCN Ronald Ten Kate said: “We actually worked with Honda America after going to Laguna in 2004 with Chris Vermeulen where we won both races. In 2005 we shared a lot of information, but in 2006 we didn’t really work together.

“Honda America is in a similar situation to us where they are developing their own bike. At Silverstone we had a meeting about working together again and we brought James (Ellison) into the meeting because it was good to interject some rider feedback.”

Ellison currently sits 10th in the AMA championship standings and is pleased with the pace of development of his bike.

He said: “I’m enjoying it in America. We’re already beating some of the factory Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki guys.

“The team is good and we’re working along side Zemke and Duhamel in the Honda America team. Every test we go to with them I’m getting nearer and I think we can beat them before the year is out.”