WSBK: Neukirchner returns to Honda

Max Neukirchner will resume his relationship with Honda next season after signing to ride for the HANNspree Ten Kate Honda in the World Superbike Championship.

The German spent nine years racing the Japanese manufacturer’s bikes, making his WSBK debut with the marque in 2005. Since then he has ridden for Ducati and Suzuki, with whom he took his maiden series wins in 2008.

This season has been marked by frustration for the 26-year-old who has missed much of the year due to injury. Riding for Team Alstare Suzuki, he crashed heavily at Monza in May, ruling him out of action for two months. His scheduled return at Brno in July was cancelled when another crash, this time in testing at Imola, meant a further lengthy spell on the sidelines.

A return for the season finale at Portimao at the end of the month is now planned after Neukirchner was given the green light to return by a team of specialist doctors which included a member of the FIM’s Medical Commission.

Ten Kate Honda has run a pair of Honda CBR1000RRs in the World Superbike Championship this year for Carlos Checa and Jonathan Rea. Both riders currently sit in the top seven of the series standings with Rea, who will stay with the squad alongside Neukirchner next year, having taken his first victory at Misano last month.

“I have to say that my feeling is really good right now,” said Neukirchner. It feels really great to be back with Honda. The Ten Kate team is so big and experienced and the CBR1000RR is clearly such a strong packaged. 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. I am feeling fit and I’m determined to put a good season together next year.”

Watch the World Superbike Championship on Motors TV.


Andy Wilkinson