The Dutch-based team will run a three-man WSBK squad consisting of
MotoGP contender
Carlos Checa, current World Supersport champion
Kenan Sofuoglu and defending British Superbike champion
Ryuichi Kiyonari.
Checa, whose move was exclusively revealed by
Crash.net columnist Mike Nicks during his Portuguese GP blog on September 16, has had a long grand prix career spanning the 250cc, 500cc and MotoGP World Championships. The Spaniard has 24 podium finishes under his belt and hopes to add to this tally in the World Superbike series after a tough 2007 season with Honda LCR.
Sofuoglu has proven his talent by claiming the 2007 World Supersport crown for Ten Kate. The Turkish rider also had his first taste of victory on the CBR1000RR when he clinched a race win in the Dutch Superbike Championship at Assen in September.
Kiyonari is already more than familiar with the 1000cc machine, having ridden for the factory-supported HM Plant Honda team in the British Superbike Championship since 2005. The 2006 champion is leading this year's series with one round remaining.
In WSS, former MotoGP and WSBK rider Andrew Pitt has been confirmed alongside British Superbike star Jonathan Rea. Former champion Pitt will return to the series with the aim of reclaiming the title and securing a seventh consecutive Supersport win for Ten Kate Honda.
Ulsterman Rea is new to the world championship - but is the youngest ever rider to secure a BSB pole position, podium and race win.
"After such a successful 2007 season, we wanted to build a team that brings the same kind of success for 2008 and beyond. This is why we have chosen to go with some very young riders in both the Superbike and Supersport class," explained team manager Ronald ten Kate. "We are confident that we can do well in developing these riders."
Meanwhile, having enjoyed double world championship success in its first season as title sponsor at Ten Kate, Hannspree has made the decision to renew its deal until 2010. Hannspree will also replace Corona as the WSBK title sponsor from 2008-2010.
