Hannspree Ten Kate Honda’s Superbike World Championship rider Jonathan Rea will compete in the 2010 Suzuka 8 Hour race in Japan on 23-25 July, the team confirming the news this weekend at Assen’s round of the WSBK series.

The iconic race forms part of the five-round World Endurance Championship and during its 32-year history has featured some of the greatest ever riders in world championship motorcycle racing, from both GPs and the World Superbike championship.

“I’m absolutely thrill ed to be given a chance to go back to Suzuka and compete in the 8 Hour race,” said Rea. “I raced there in 2007 in the 300km and was hoping for a chance to do the 8 Hour that year, but it didn’t happen.

“The winners list reads like a ‘who’s who’ of racing and I’d love to add my name to that list. But there are also some fantastic riders who have raced there and never won. It’ll be a big thrill for me and I can’t wait!”

Rea will also contest the 300km Suzuka race on 13 June, a race he won with former teammate Ryuichi Kiyonari in 2007, before competing in the 8 Hour in July – a week before round 10 of World Superbike at Silverstone in the UK on 1 August.

The Irishman’s team and teammate have yet to be announced, but Honda has confirmed that Rea will ride for one of the satellite Honda teams on an HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) CBR1000RR Fireblade with support from the factory.