HANNspree Ten Kate Honda returned to Europe following the opening rounds of the 2007 World Superbike and Supersport Championship as the overall leader in both classes. The formidable team proved that it is at the top of its game by securing six podium finishes - including three are wins and three second places - in the first six races of the 2007 season in Qatar and Australia.
Youngest ever World Superbike Champion James Toseland displayed some truly impressive riding to prove that he is serious in his bid to reclaim the prestigious title this year. The British rider finished on the podium a total of four times in the first two rounds of the series, with two race wins and two second places under his belt. He leads the standings with a 16-point advantage over his closet rival, ex-MotoGP rider Max Biaggi.
Toseland's team-mate Roberto Rolfo sits inside the top ten in the championship standings after further improving his riding to set a good race pace in Qatar and Australia. He heads to round three of the series at Donington Park with the aim of demonstrating his top six potential.
In the World Supersport camp, young Turkish rider Kenan Sofuoglu has established himself as a force to be reckoned with. The first two rounds of the 2007 championship showed the category to be fiercely competitive, but in the end it was Sofuoglu who had the edge. He secured first place in Qatar and second place in Australia to pick up 45 points and the leading position in the championship standings.
Team-mate and defending World Supersport Champion Sébastien Charpentier's season began with an unlucky mistake in Qatar. He lost the front end of his Honda CBR600RR and was forced to retire from the race on the penultimate lap. However, the Frenchman rode well in Australia and is currently ninth overall in the standings, He is now more determined than ever in his fight to claim those all-important points and get his campaign back for the hat-trick of titles back on track.
President of HANNspree Europe Kevin Chang is thrilled with the progress of the team. "The success the team has achieved so far is incredible!" he said. "The racing in Qatar and Phillip Island had us all on the edge of our seats - it was exciting and fun and that is exactly what we stand for. If the start of the season is anything to go by, this is going to a truly memorable year of racing and I can't wait for the next round."
