From a press release issued by Ten Kate Honda:

Ten Kate Honda riders back to their roots

With an all Aussie line-up of riders, the Phillip Island round can be judged as an home race for the Ten Kate Honda squad. The riders have left Europe early to spend some time with family and friends and to prepare themselves for an exciting round of World Superbike and Supersport racing.

Chris Vermeulen: “It’s nice to race in front of my family, friends and fans at Phillip Island. I like the Phillip Island track, especially after I won my first race in World Supersport last year on the Island. Development for the Honda CBR1000RR has continued since our test at Valencia (monday after the race). The Ten Kate crew has worked on both engine and chassis for this race, so I will be even more motivated to perform well in front of the home crowd.”

Karl Muggeridge: “As for all Australian riders, motivation will be no problem at all for the Phillip Island round! The race at Valencia was for sure disappointing to all of us after being on top of the timesheets throughout winter testing and all practice-sessions. But it was just the first race and I know we can do a lot better. The Honda machinery is working perfect and the people of Andreani Group who are preparing our WP Suspension have come up with a perfect base-setting for us.”

Broc Parkes: “Never in my racing career I have been so happy, the Honda CBR600RR is working perfect, I work with the best technical crew, nothing really to wish for at the moment. Looking back to Valencia I tried too hard too soon in those conditions. We have to look forward now and I can’t wait to be riding the bike around the nice lay-out of the Phillip Island track.”

Team owner Gerrit ten Kate who will not join his team to Australia; “In this time of season our customers start racing their bikes, every week we’ve teams collecting their bikes or engines from our workshop, so I really can’t join the team. I’m however confident that they will manage the situation without me.”