Ten Kate confirm Ohlins switch
Ten Kate Honda have formally confirmed they will use Ohlins suspension for the remainder of the 2009 World Superbike season following a successful cooperation at Misano.
Replacing a long-standing relationship with WP, Ten Kate sampled Ohlins suspension for the first time in a race environment at Misano and was instrumental in helping Jonathan Rea to his and team's first win of the season.
Ten Kate Honda have formally confirmed they will use Ohlins suspension for the remainder of the 2009 World Superbike season following a successful cooperation at Misano.
Replacing a long-standing relationship with WP, Ten Kate sampled Ohlins suspension for the first time in a race environment at Misano and was instrumental in helping Jonathan Rea to his and team's first win of the season.
The development follows recent technical advances such as electronics and engine power that have been introduced in the team's Honda CBR1000RR Superbikes and CBR600RR Supersport machines.
The decision has consequently resulted in the termination of a long and very successful racing collaboration with the team's suspension partner, WP.
"This has been an extremely difficult decision because WP has been our partner in racing since we started," team manager Ronald ten Kate said. "Together, we have won seven World Supersport titles and one World Superbike championship.
"I would like to thank everyone in the racing department at WP," he added. "The guys there have worked extremely hard for us through the years and we have a very high regard for their technical knowledge and skill."
Ten Kate concluded: "Unfortunately, recent organisational changes within WP have restricted the really precise development that we have needed. We would like thank the WP race department guys for everything that they have done for us and we wish them all the very best for the future."
