Pata Honda 2014 World Superbike and Supersport Team Introduced

Pata Honda will line up the same British duo for the 14-round championship: Jonathan Rea and Leon Haslam will both be riding the new Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP, with the first WSBK event of the year being the kick-off race at Phillip Island, February 23.

The 2014 WSS team comprises Dutch Michael van der Mark and Italian Lorenzo Zanetti, both carrying on riding the Honda CBR600RR after their initial Supersport rookie season.

Jonathan Rea - Pata Honda World Superbike

It was quite difficult at times in 2013 and the season ended badly in injury, but my leg feels OK now. It’s not quite 100% and I have some discomfort walking on it, but on the bike it’s fine. This team feels like a family to me now and knowing all the faces and how the team works helps me to get the best out of the package and the people around me.

We all share the same goals but it feels like there’s been a change of mentality for this season – everyone is even more focused than usual.

By the time we get to Phillip Island we will have tested a lot, and we’re really pushing hard, so I think that if anyone is in good shape to challenge at the front when the season starts, it’ll be me and my team.

Leon Haslam - Pata Honda World Superbike

Last season was definitely one to forget for me. We started a little bit on the back foot and then I broke my leg just after round two. I’m training again quite strongly now and the team’s been working 24-7 on the bike, mainly on the electronics, so we’ll be aiming to maximise what we have from the start of the season and see where that puts us.

It’s fantastic to have Pata back on board this year – it’s a really good, family-run company and I didn’t really get a chance to show them what I’m capable of last year. I’d love to repay them with some podiums and some wins this season and have some good after-race parties!

Michael van der Mark - Pata Honda World Supersport

We have already tested the CBR600RR and there have been a lot of improvements which we noticed immediately. The team has overcome some of the big problems we had last year with some new software updates so we can head into the new season with some confidence.

I was very happy with my first season in World Supersport and to get on the podium in my first race at Phillip Island was fantastic. So, it’s great to be back with the team again and I can’t wait to start racing again.

Lorenzo Zanetti - Pata Honda World Supersport

Yes, I think I improved a lot as a rider last year after quite a difficult start. The bike has definitely improved as well, especially in the electronics, and I think we have a good way forward for this coming season. I am really looking forward to working with this team again and to challenging for the podium in every race.

Source Pata Honda.