Rea stays with Ten Kate to fight for WSB crown in 2011

Jonathan Rea has ended speculation that he could switch to MotoGP next season by confirming that he will remain in WSB with Ten Kate Honda in 2011.

During 2010 Rea has already won four races and has comfortably outscored any of his rivals in the previous six races having secured two wins and four seconds. He now sits third in the championship standings behind Max Biaggi and Leon Haslam.

Since mid way through the current season Rea has been inundated with offers from within both the WSB and MotoGP paddocks but remained under contract with Ten Kate.

At the age of 23 he still has time to progress through to MotoGP and the most likely scenario is that he will with a satellite Honda team in 2012 – the same year that MotoGP switches back to 1000cc engine capacity.

Rea said:  We’re all pulling in the same direction and we’re all really excited about the prospects for the Honda CBR1000RR. Even though I’m still only 23, the team has taught me an enormous amount about world championship racing, both on the track and off it and I’ve become a regular race winner. To become a championship winner, I recognise that I need continuity and that’s what I’ve got now.

“It’s no secret that my ultimate ambition is to compete in GPs but I’ll still only be 24 next season so I’m really happy to aim for the World Superbike title in 2011 and then hopefully take the next step forward after that within the Honda family.”

Rea’s 2011 team-mate is yet to be announced as is the line-up of their championship leading World Supersport team.

The Dutch squad are unlikely to reveal any new signings until the team’s budget and title sponsor are confirmed.