Following an action-packed round of the 2007 World Supersport Championship at Donington Park, HANNspree Ten Kate Honda will contest the fourth round with a full line-up of riders. Sébastien Charpentier returns to partner series leader Kenan Sofuoglu at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit.
While Sofuoglu secured another victory in the UK, the win was bitter-sweet as his team-mate Charpentier suffered pelvic injuries in a free practice crash that kept him out of the race. However, the Frenchman is recovering well and is working hard to ensure he is fit to re-join his team-mate this weekend.
Sofuoglu heads to Spain with a 70-point tally after securing his second race win of the season at Donington Park. Top riders Charpentier, Curtain and Parkes were all absent from the 22-lap race due to injury and Fabien Foret retired early from the opening leg. Sofuoglu now holds a significant advantage over his rivals and is in a confident mood ahead of this weekend's race.
Ronald ten Kate. Team Manager:
"Although we are still developing the new CBR600RR, we are already in a very good position with Kenan leading the championship. We are improving race by race and introducing a lot of new parts and set-up changes. The most important thing for us in Valencia is the return of Sébastien Charpentier, who is working very hard with his medical staff to be ready for the weekend. We know that he is fit to race, but we are also hoping that he is fit enough to be back up at the front because that is really what he deserves."
Sébastien Charpentier:
"Obviously I was very disappointed not to be able to race at Donington, but these things happen and you have to concentrate on the future. I've been working really hard with my medical team in France to recover in time for the next race. My injuries are healing well and I am looking forward to getting back on the bike and racing again in Valencia."
Kenan Sofuoglu:
"I was really happy with the win at Donington and it has given me a good lead in the standings. We have tested in Valencia and I recorded some good lap times there so it's a track I feel quite comfortable riding. Of course, I am hoping for a podium finish and think I have a good chance of achieving that. I am looking forward to racing with my team-mate again and I wish him and the other injured riders all the best in their recoveries - see you in Valencia!"
