Honda wishes to thank Fabien, for the great result achieved, and the whole Ten Kate team, together with the mechanics, for their efforts and for the precious teamwork assured during the season.

Honda started four years ago to support the Supersport World Championship with the CBR600. The sportive life and the market image of the current version have culminated in the World Championship activities.

We are now ready to start the forthcoming season with the new version that has just been presented to the public at Intermot in Munich.

Honda is pleased to announce an exciting and comprehensive programme for its new CBR600RR in the 2003 World Supersport championship.

Four supported teams will represent Honda in the championship, all armed with the much anticipated new 600cc machine, the 2003 plan includes joining forces with:

The G. Ten Kate Racing Team
The Van Zon Racing Team
The BKM Racing Team
The OPCM Racing Team

Honda Europe Senior Manager Silvio Manicardi comments: "We're very pleased with the level of consistency given to Honda by our supported teams this year and we're certain they can contribute to success in 2003 for the new CBR600RR".

He adds: "Judging by the response to the launch of the CBR600RR I think 2003 should be an exciting year. Supersport is one of the closest classes of racing in the world and we know we will have to work hard to be successful".

Of the teams supported by Honda in the 2003 campaign, the following riders are confirmed:

• Ten Kate - Karl Muggeridge, Chris Vermeulen
• BKM - Christophe Cogan, Broc Parkes
• OPCM - Kevin Curtain, Robert Ulm
• Van Zon - Iain MacPherson, Werner Daemen

• Read all about the 2003 Honda CBR600RR