News 2 Oct 2013

Rea MotoGP rumours quashed as Honda announces unchanged 2014 WSBK lineup

Honda will retain its current rider lineup for the 2014 World Superbike Championship, with speculation surrounding a possible move to MotoGP for Jonathan Rea officially quashed.

Jonathan Rea and Leon Haslam are staying put on factory Fireblades for 2014.

Jonathan Rea and Leon Haslam are staying put on factory Fireblades for 2014.

Honda will retain its current rider lineup for the 2014 World Superbike Championship, with speculation surrounding a possible move to MotoGP for Jonathan Rea officially quashed.

Rea’s long-time relationship with the Ten Kate team, branded Pata Honda, will continue for a seventh year as he seeks to add to his record of 33 podiums, including 11 wins, since moving to the Superbike ranks in 2009.

The Irish rider said he weighed up the decision which reportedly involved the possibility of a move to Pramac Ducati or Forward Racing Yamaha.

“It’s been a big decision that I’ve thought long and hard about because there were some other options to consider,” said Rea.

“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.

“I know how hard the guys work to make the Honda competitive and I know that we have the potential to fight again for more podiums and race wins and the championship next season.”

Holding station within the squad is Leon Haslam. Haslam’s season has largely been affected by injury and a continued struggle to come to grips with the Honda’s electronics package.

The British rider believes the consistency over the off-season, including winter testing, will serve him better for the 2014 championship.

“I’m very happy to have another go at it, really!” said Haslam. “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.

“Hopefully, that’s all out of the way now and we can keep making progress in the last few races and over winter testing. Hopefully we can go back and defend that next year, and I can’t wait to go into the next World Superbike season with the same bike, the same guys and have a proper go at it.”

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