World Superbikes: Rea quits UK for Ten Kate Honda

Jonathan Rea will quit British Superbikes at the end of this season after signing a three-year deal with Hannspree Honda.

Rea revealed to MCN that he has signed a deal with the Dutch Ten Kate team who look certain to win the 2007 World Superbike title with James Toseland.

MCN has also learned that Rea turned down an offer to ride alongside double world champion Troy Bayliss in the Xerox Ducati squad.

The deal will see him go back to riding a supersports bike for a year, joining the team to ride one of their CBR600s in the World Supersport series in 2008, before moving up to WSB with the number one Honda team in 2009 and 2010.

His decision to return to supersports after three years in British Superbikes, where he has proved himself a worthy title contender, has surprised British Superbike paddock insiders. But Rea is confident his decision will ensure a long and successful future on the world stage.

In tomorrow’s MCN (available from Wednesday, September 5, 2007) Jonathan Rea speaks about the toughest decision of his life, and team boss Ronald Ten Kate talks about signing the rising star of British racing.