Dan Kneen will ride the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R as a race machine this year.

The Manxman will continue with the Marks Bloom Racing Team in 2011 with the added support of Kawasaki UK.

On the road race scene for a relatively short time, Kneen has already established himself as a consistent rider with top ten placings at the TT, the North West 200 and victories at the Dundrod 150.

Finishing second in the 2010 Supersport Cup, the 23 year-old will be competing in the three major international roads events during the coming season, as well as honing his short circuit skills as part of the much anticipated EVO class in the British Superbike Championship.

Adding the support of Kawasaki Motors UK to his established sponsors, Marks Bloom Chartered Accountants and Wemoto.com, Kneen is also under the watchful eye of Manx resident, world famous tuner and bike preparation expert, Anthony Bass.

Confirming the latest rider in the Kawasaki stable, racing co-ordinator for Kawasaki Motors UK, Ross Burridge, recognised the raw talent that Kneen has shown so far.

‘Like so many riders looking for success in 2011, Dan has chosen the new Ninja ZX-10R. His success so far, allied to the support of loyal and enthusiastic sponsors, looks set to produce the perfect platform for his future success on Kawasaki machinery.’