Is Checa to replace Toseland? Will Ten Kate be going to motogp?

Question

While browsing I found the item below:

http://www.crash.net/news_view~cid~6~id~154048.htm

speculating that Checa (and Kiyonari?) wil be riding for Ten Kate Honda next year in WSBK's.

If you click into the comments you will find various opinions (and my tuppence worth too) but also plenty speculation about whether Ten Kate wants to be in motogp in the future.

As this isn't the first (or even second) time I've heard this opinion, I was wondering if anybody had any views on the subject? Or better yet, actual facts -the novelty value on this site would be high! ;o)

Answer 1

But this would mean that Checa is leaving MotoGP?! Not that he is doing so good there but I got used to seeing him race.

I've never seen WSBK so my answer has to stop here. It would be interesting to see a new face in MotoGP.

Answer 2

Hi Dingo

I'm not sure if Carlos has been confirmed at Ten Kate yet. If he does go there, I'm sure it'll be more to do with sponsorship money than anything. It was Robie Rolfo that pulled in the Hanspree sponsorship. Personally I think he should retire gracefully, and let Sofuoglu and Kiyonari make up the team. Although I've heard a rumor that they might have three or even four bikes on the grid. If thats the case, and he's bringing in the money......why not. Actually, we know he's quick on a superbike. He got the lap record during the Suzuka 8 hour....and it was on a fireblade. (its just he's a bit long in the tooth for a racer..............although I think he's younger than Bayliss!)

I know Ten Kate were toying with the idea of having a team in MotoGP (as well as WSBK), but thats been scrapped. Maybe thats why there's talk of what would effectively be a satellite team in WSBK ie having four bikes.

Sorry, I've got no hard facts, except that there's not going to be a Ten Kate MotoGP team in the near future at least.

Answer 3

Maybe one of your better blonde moments there babe!

I think its time for Careless Chucker to hang the leathers up and let some new young talent come on through.