Rea secured a comfortable win in Brno

Jonathan Rea is to remain with the HannSpree Ten Kate Honda team to compete in World Superbikes in 2011.

The 23-year-old from Ballyclare will remain with the Dutch outfit as he bids to secure the world crown before any potential switch to MotoGP.

Rea currently lies third in the series, behind Max Biaggi and Leon Haslam.

The former World Supersport racer will be joined by fellow Northern Ireland rider Eugene Laverty, who will ride a Yamaha in World Superbikes in 2011.

"I'm really happy to be staying with this fantastic team for another season," said Rea.

"We're all pulling in the same direction and we're really excited about the prospects for the Honda CBR1000-RR," he added.

"Even though I'm still only 23, the team has taught me an enormous amount about world championship racing - both on the track and off it - and I've become a regular race winner.

"To become a championship winner I recognise that I need continuity and that's what I've got now.

"It's no secret that my ultimate ambition is to compete in GPs, but I'll still be only 24 next season so I'm really happy to aim for the World Superbike title in 2011 and then hopefully take the next step forward after that within the Honda family."

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