round nine
Assen, Holland - Sunday, 4 September 2005

CHARPENTIER IS WORLD SUPERSPORT CHAMPION AT ASSEN

Second place at Assen this afternoon for Winston Ten Kate Honda rider, Sebastien
Charpentier, was enough for him to secure his first and his team's fourth World
Supersport championship title. The French rider finished second in the 16-lap
race behind fellow countryman and Honda rider, Fabien Foret, with Michel
Fabrizio third.

Charpentier's championship victory represents the first time that the World
Supersport title has been won with three rounds to go. His team-mate, Katsuaki
Fujiwara, had to beat Charpentier to keep his own title hopes alive but finished
the race in fifth place.

Ronald ten Kate - team manager:

"Our thirteenth consecutive World Supersport win was not so unlucky today! We're
normally renowned for keeping our feet firmly on the ground but I can tell you
that today we are on cloud nine. It was a fantastic race in itself that resulted
in our fourth consecutive championship title. It would have been good if Kats
could have joined Sebastien on the podium but he had a couple of problems. At
least he is still in second place in the championship and we'll be doing all we
can to make it a one-two before the season is over."

Sebastien Charpentier - second place and 2005 World Supersport Champion

"I have to admit I was a little bit nervous for the race and it has been a tough
weekend. I had a little problem with my quick shifter today so I was unable to
get away at the front. It was such a hard race with Fabien (Foret) who rode very
well for his victory but I eased off on the final lap just to make sure that I
could take the title here at the team's home race. It's been difficult for me at
various stages of my career but with the help of Cathy and my family I am
finally world champion. I have also been fortunate to be on the best bike with
the best team this season and I hope I can work with Ten Kate for a long time to
come. I don't think I can quite believe it at the moment but it is fantastic to
win the title in front of the team's home crowd and all the guests they have
here today."

Katsuaki Fujiwara - fifth

"I had a pretty good start and I was able to go with Sebastien in the early
stages. I felt strong and confident but I made a couple of mistakes in the race.
The first time I outbraked myself and then selected neutral and nearly crashed.
When I got myself back together, the front guys were difficult to catch. It
would have been nice to join Sebastien's celebrations on the podium but he has
ridden so well all season so congratulations to him. Now I have three races to
make sure that we make it a Ten Kate one-two again so I will be trying hard at
Lausitzring next weekend."

World Supersport, Assen - results (16 laps, 95.952km):

 1 Fabien Foret FRA (Honda)                           34m37.800s
 2 Sebastien Charpentier FRA (Winston Ten Kate Honda)    +0.258
 3 Michel Fabrizio ITA (Honda)                           +1.109
 4 Kevin Curtain AUS (Yamaha)                            +1.380
 5 Katsuaki Fujiwara JPN (Winston Ten Kate Honda)        +5.490
 6 Robbin Harms DEN (Honda)                             +10.430
 7 Broc Parkes AUS (Yamaha)                             +16.765
 8 Stephane Chambon FRA (Honda)                         +25.592
 9 Tauto Lauslehto FIN (Honda)                          +25.648
10 Javier Fores ESP (Suzuki)                            +25.656

Championship points after nine of 12 rounds:

Charpentier      210
Fujiwara         127
Curtain          122
Foret            110
Fabrizio          98
Chambon           76
Parkes            69
Fores             58
Gianluca Nannelli 56 ITA (Ducati)
Lauslehto         49

Next round:

Lausitzring, Germany - 11 September