Press Release
NEUKIRCHNER RETURNS TO HONDA WITH TEN KATE
Hemel Hempstead, 14th October 2009
The HANNspree Ten Kate Honda team has signed Max Neukirchner to ride its Honda CBR1000RR in the World Superbike championship for the 2010 season.
The 26-year-old from Stollberg in eastern Germany already has five years' experience in the World Superbike championship with 10 podium finishes; he took two wins in 2008 on his way to fifth place in the series.
Despite two visits to the podium at the beginning of the 2009 season, Neukirchner's year has been blighted by injury following crashes at Monza in May and then during a test at Imola in July on his return. However, specialist doctors, including a member of the FIM's Medical Commission, have given Neukirchner a clean bill of health and have stated that this season's injuries represent no barrier to his immediate return to racing. It is anticipated, therefore, that he will take part in the end-of-season World Superbike test at Portimao in Portugal on 27-28 October.
Max Neukirchner: "I have to say that my feeling is really good right now. The Ten Kate team is so big and experienced and the CBR1000RR is clearly such a strong package. Jonathan has proved that with his victories this year and I'm really looking forward to being his team-mate as we are good friends. It feels really great to be back on a Honda; I am feeling fit and I'm determined to put a good season together next year."
Ronald ten Kate - team manager: "As much as anyone else, we were caught by surprise when we found out about Max's availability. We immediately saw a 'dream team' line-up with Jonathan Rea, which is probably the youngest pairing ever in a World Superbike championship team, with both riders already having wins under their belts. We understand that Max may need some time to find his full race-craft again but we are quite sure that his talent, motivation and determination will get him quickly back up to speed."
Robert Watherston - manager, motorcycle sport, Honda Europe: "Everyone at Honda is absolutely delighted to welcome Max back to the wider Honda family. He has been competitive on Honda machinery before and we are all looking forward to seeing him back on the CBR1000RR Fireblade and running at the front again."
HANNspree began its sponsorship of the Honda Ten Kate Team back in 2007 and has been the main sponsor of the team ever since. The HANNspree Honda Ten Kate team has enjoyed enviable success during this time including the success of British rider James Toseland who climbed the ranks to take the championship for the HANNspree team back in 2007 and who now competes in Moto GP. HANNspree is also the title sponsor of the World Superbike Championship. HANNspree first signed with FG Sport which become renamed Infront Motor Sports at the end of 2008 as part of the enhancement of the global Infront umbrella brand to increase market share.
-ENDS-
Additional Information
Max Neukirchner - career history
1997: ADAC Junior Cup - Aprilia 125cc National 125cc championship - Honda 1999: 4th Deutsche Straßenmeisterschaft National 125cc championship - Honda 2000: 10th German 250cc championship - Honda 2001: 5th German 250cc championship - Honda 2002: 2nd German 250cc championship - Honda 10th European 250cc championship - Honda 2003: 3rd European 250cc championship - Honda 2004: 9th World Supersport championship - Honda 2005: 12th World Superbike championship - Honda 2006:?8th World Superbike championship - Ducati 2007: 9th World Superbike championship - Suzuki 2008: 5th World Superbike championship - Suzuki (two wins)
For further information or images, please contact: Kerri Chard The PR Room Tel: 0845 094 2902 kerri.chard@theprroom.co.uk
About HANNspree
HANNspree is a leading brand of consumer electronics in the European market, including world famous designer TVs. Established in June 2003 and headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, HANNspree is a leading, worldwide manufacturer of LCD solutions, spanning Australia, China, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan and the US. The central manufacturing facilities are located in Taiwan and in China.
European headquarters are based in Germany and the central office sales and marketing organisation from Fremont California. HANNspree also operates from a number of European subsidiaries including UK, Poland, Denmark, France Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal.
HANNspree is committed giving its customers a brand and product range which will set themselves apart from the next person. The product range has been designed so that each and every consumer can create an environment that they can identify with - celebrating their personal style and creativity.
