Ralf Waldmann returns to Grand Prix paddock

Many established figures have left the World Championship in 2008, but experience and proven pedigree is always welcomed in the Grand Prix paddock. Someone taking advantage of said experience is Romanian rider Robert Muresan, who has the honour and the privelege of being assisted by returning Team Chief and former 250cc star Ralf Waldmann.

The 41 year-old German retired from active competition at the end of the 2002 season, after some impressive victories in the lower cylinder classes. Waldmann´s record in Jerez is one of the more notable aspects of his career: he won both the 1997 and 2000 250cc races from pole, and also took victory in the 1992 125cc race in southern Spain.

`I´m team chief for Robert Muresan, working with data recording and suspension as well,´says Waldmann on his new role within the Grizzly Gas Kiefer Racing team.

`I´m happy to be back and to see some old faces here. For example I used to ride with Valentino Rossi in 250cc!´.

Waldmann´s protégé Muresan is currently undertaking his second full season in the 125cc class, riding alongside Robin Lasser and Stefan Bradl.

Indeed, Waldmann was in attendance at Grizzly Gas Kiefer Racing's official 2008 season launch event on Friday in Jerez, where an Austrian strongman lifted the team's trio of riders, lifted one of their 125cc Aprilia bikes and bent a saucepan with his bare hands for the cameras.