Ten Kate in no rush to confirm 2010 rider line–up

The Hannspree Ten Kate Honda team have revealed that they are in no hurry to sign their riders for the 2010 season due to the massive interest they have received in the team. The current rumour mill regarding WSB and MotoGP rider line-ups has already gone in to overdrive and Ten Kate Honda boss Ronald Ten Kate believes that there will be many options available over the coming weeks.

Speaking to MCN he said: “We’re in no rush. In the past rider signings happened at Brands Hatch in August. In recent years deals have been finalised in September, but this year it could be October or even November that everything gets done.

“This is the first time I can remember where as a team we are not chasing specific riders. This year we haven’t had to, riders are approaching us and there have been a lot of interest.”

The Dutch squad have already confirmed that they will down size to two Superbike riders in 2010 instead of the three they ran this season. With Jonathan Rea all but confirmed in the squad the future of current riders Carlos Checa and Ryuichi Kiyonari remains less clear. During the last four races, Checa has been in impressive form securing three podium finishes. A matter of weeks ago, Checa’s position in the team looked untenable but now his presence in the squad has not been ruled out.

Ten Kate said: “I know people will say that Carlos is getting good results because its contract time, but I really am of a different opinion. We know the level of the bike now compared to the beginning of the season and we can see what Carlos is doing on the bike. For that reason he is still being considered for the ride.”