Honda confirm BSB commitment
Added on Wednesday, September 17th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Honda confirm BSB commitment
Honda have reaffirmed their commitment to the British Superbike Championship, ending speculation that the manufacturer may pull its factory team out of the British domestic championship.
Speculation had suggested that the HM Plant Honda factory team was to pull out of the British Superbike Championship as the manufacturer looked to concentrate its efforts on the World Superbike Championship but those rumours were ended today as Honda confirmed that it will continue to support the CBR1000RR Fireblades run by HM Plant Honda.
A company statement read: “Honda (UK) is pleased to confirm its continued commitment to the British Superbike Championship for 2009 with the HM Plant Honda team on the CBR1000RR Fireblade.
Building on their long term relationship since 2004, Honda (UK) Racing and HM Plant will be looking to continue their successful partnership and performance for the sixth consecutive year, in what is considered the strongest domestic motorcycle racing championship in the world.”
The team did not however confirm the team’s rider line-up for 2009, with both Cal Crutchlow and Leon Haslam being linked to follow Rizla Suzuki rider Tom Sykes to WSB.
Steve Martindale, General Manager of Honda (UK) Motorcycles, said: “I’m very happy to confirm Honda’s commitment to the British Superbike Championship for 2009 and also the team’s continued relationship with HM Plant.
“The British Superbike Championship is very strong and the high standard of rider talent and racing can be seen at every round. This was further highlighted by the excellent and highly competitive performances of the British riders, including HM Plant Honda riders Leon and Cal, who took part in the recent UK round of the World Superbike Championship.
“The team is still very much focused on the final two rounds of this season however, before turning its full attentions to preparations for the 2009 championship.”
HM Plant Chairman, John Jones, added, “We have been delighted with our relationship with Honda and the exposure achieved from the HM Plant Honda team partnership over the last five years and look forward to that continuing for many years to come.”
