Pata Honda keep Rea and Haslam for 2014

Ten Kate Honda have confirmed their 2014 World Superbike lineup, with current riders Jonathan Rea and Leon Haslam both remaining with the Dutch team, alongside title sponsors Pata.

With both riders suffering in 2013 – both of them suffering broken legs – and with the CBR1000RR being seen as falling behind, the pair will be hoping to use the winter to recover and prepare for Honda’s anticipated new bike for 2014.

Rea had originally been in talks with a number of teams in both MotoGP and WSB, being linked with a ride at Paul Bird Motorsport on a production Honda RCV as well as the Aspar Aprilia ride that looks set to be taken by fellow Northern Irishman Eugene Laverty.

Rea, currently recovering from both a broken leg and the birth of his first child, said : “It’s been a big decision that I’ve thought long and hard about because there were some other options to consider. However, at the end of the day it was an easy choice because of the faith and respect that I have for the team that I’ve been with for six years and the company that I have been with my entire career.”

Haslam added: “I’m very happy to have another go at it, really! This season has been pretty non-existent with the injury and the big learning curve we’ve had with the new electronics. So I’m excited to get back to full fitness and to have good go with the bike and see if we can turn the potential into success. We’ve made some really good steps recently but that’s been combined with some bad luck this year.”