WSS: Pirro completes Ten Kate Honda line-up

Ten Kate Honda has confirmed its rider line-up for the 2010 World Supersport Championship after signing Michele Pirro to race alongside Kenan Sofuoglu.

The Italian, a former Superstock race winner, will enter his second season of Supersport racing after a successful maiden campaign with Lorenzini by Leoni Yamaha yielded a best race result of sixth at Portimao, a pole position at Misano and an overall finish of 12th in the standings.

The 23-year-old made his debut for Ten Kate Honda during post-season testing in Portugal, where he was amongst the pace setters.

"I'm very happy for the opportunity that has been given to me by the Ten Kate team and by Honda. It is amazing and fascinating to know that next year I will be able to compete with the best World Supersport riders thanks to this high-level team and Honda's CBR600RR.

"I'm really excited about next season - I have some important goals and I think I am in a position to reach them. I will try to give back some great results to the Ten Kate team, Honda, my management and all the sponsors who have had such faith in me in recent years."

With Ten Kate Honda losing its Supersport title for the first time in seven years this season, team manager Ronald ten Kate believes he has a rider line-up capable of snatching the crown back.

"We're very happy with our signing of Michele, who has already shown that he has great speed. He is also a young rider and we hope to realise his full potential and guide him through the next steps of his career.

"His impressive test at Portimao made the choice quite easy and we strongly believe that a team with Kenan Sofuoglu and Michele Pirro will put us in a good position to win back our World Supersport title."