With new teammate Mark AitchisonThe HANNspree Honda Althea team has made its decision concerning the 2009 season.
The team has signed Aussie Mark Aitchison and Frenchman Matthieu Lagrive for the 2009 World Supersport Championship.
The 25-year old Australian
rider is an extremely talented and dedicated rider. Mark has become one of the most recognized riders on the Australian circuit, and won the prestigious rider of the year award in 2005, and in 2006 was runner up in the Australian Supersport Championship. In 2007 Mark made his debut on the international scene competing in the Superstock FIM Cup 1000 Championship, taking 5th place in the championship. This year Mark moved to the World Supersport Championship with Triumph, one of the most tightly contested championships worldwide.
Mark's teammate, Matthieu Lagrive, will spearhead the HANNspree Honda Althea Team's assault on the 2009 World Supersport championship. Matthieu is one of the most experienced riders in the paddock having competed in 250cc, Endurance races and Supersport championships. Lagrive is three times Endurance World Champion and in this Supersport season he has obtained two pole positions in Brands Hatch and in Donington.
Both riders will have official Honda CBR600RR 2009.
Mark Aitchison :
“I am really happy because Honda and HANNspre Althea team believe in me and have given me this wonderful chance. It is a great opportunity and I really want to obtain good results next year. The team was excited about the possibility of me joining them and they just made me feel like I was coming into a great family. To join one of the top teams in the World Supersport paddock and have the opportunity to challenge for a world title with Honda is very exciting”.
Matthieu Lagrive :
“I'm very excited about joining my new Honda team in World Supersport. HANNspree Honda Althea team it's one of the top teams in the championship and I'm looking forward to the challenge at hand and to work with Honda to produce a winning team”.
Salvatore Giorlandino – Team Manager :
“We are proud to have two riders like Mark and Matthieu with us next year. They are two excellent riders and we are confident that we signed two strong title challengers for 2009. Aitchison is a very promising rider and he has been one of the riders we have followed very closely this year. We believe he's got a long future ahead of him at the highest levels in motorcycle racing. Lagrive is a very good Supersport rider he has elevated experience and has proved to be a top rider. We are a motivated with a new and fresh team and we will do everything to ensure that they can achieve great results”.
