International journalists joined HANNspree employees, distributors and guests this week to celebrate the company’s recent sales success and its future plans in motorsport. The spectacular event marked HANNspree’s first year of operation in Europe, as well as its title sponsorship of Ten Kate Honda in the World Superbike Championship. The LCD TV manufacturer is also associate sponsor of Gresini Honda in MotoGP and Martin Honda in World Motocross for 2007. The impressive Alkatraz Club in the centre of Milan was transformed into a HANNspree wonderland, with the company’s distinctive green logo adorning everything from walls to table candles. Display stands showcased a vast range of distinctive television designs alongside the HANNspree Ten Kate Honda Superbike and Supersport motorcycles. Guests enjoyed a cocktail and canapé reception before being seated for the HANNspree Ten Kate Honda rider presentation. Guest host and MotoGP commentator Toby Moody took to the stage to introduce the team’s World Superbike and Supersport riders James Toseland, Roberto Rolfo, Sébastien Charpetier and Kenan Sofuoglu. The riders were joined on stage by Team Manager Ronald ten Kate, who was enthusiastic about HANNspree’s sponsorship and the season ahead. Also making special appearances were Gresini Honda MotoGP Team Manager Fausto Gresini and Honda Europe Head of Motorsport Carlo Fiorani. The Martin Honda World Motocross team were also present at the event. The youngest ever World Superbike Champion James Toseland proved that he is just as talented off the track as he wowed the crowd with his piano playing and singing skills. Fashion shows and draw-dropping circus acts kept the 400 guests entertained during the six-course gala dinner and the party continued late into the night. “This event was a great celebration of HANNspree we are all very proud of the company and we are happy to share our success with all of our associates,” said HANNspree’s Vice-President of European Sales and Marketing Fabio Scatola. “It was also a chance to introduce our exciting new venture into motorsport, which will bring a new dimension to our business. I would like to wish all our teams the best of luck this year and we look forward to a great season of racing”