HANNspree Ten Kate Honda may have already clinched the World Supersport title with three rounds to spare, but the team's focus will not waver at the eleventh round of the series this weekend.
Kenan Sofuoglu has already secured nine podium finishes and six race wins this season, but will be aiming to add to his tally at Lausitz this weekend. The Turkish rider has an excellent track record at the 4.26km German circuit, having secured the fastest lap and the race victory in 2006, and he is hoping to at least equal his achievements this year.
"I am obviously incredibly happy to have secured the title, but I still have a job to do for my team and I will be approaching the next races in the same way as I have approached every race this year," he insisted, "I am focused and my aim is, as always, to get on the podium and, hopefully, get the race win. I like Lausitz and I did well there last year, so I know that this is a possibility. I will do all I can for my team and the development of the bike because I owe them a lot for all their hard work this year."
Team-mate Sébastien Charpentier has had a less fortunate season, during which he has been plagued with bad luck. However, the Frenchman recorded some excellent lap times at Brands Hatch and is looking to continue that at Lausitz.
"I am looking forward to getting back on track after the break," Charpentier said, "It's fair to say that this year has been difficult for me, but I am determined to finish the season on a high note if I can. Lausitz is not my best circuit - I was forced to retire from last year's race - so, of course, I am hoping to do better this year. The bike was feeling really good at Brands Hatch and I completed some good laps, so we will have to wait and see what happens."
Both riders will also assist the team in some all-important development work on the Honda CBR600RR ahead of 2008.
"Of course, we had some celebrations after Kenan secured the World Supersport title at
Brands Hatch, but now it's back to business," team manager Ronald ten Kate confirmed, "We still have some goals for the remaining races and also some development work on the Honda CBR600RR. Lausitz was good for us last year and we got a race win, so hopefully both of our riders will have good results this year as well."
