Michael Ranseder first took part in a Grand Prix in the 2004 season, debuting in the Czech Republic before appearing again at Valencia in the last event of the year. Winning the German 125cc championship led the talented Austrian youngster to further Grand Prix appearances with the ADAC junior team in 2005, and his points from a 12th placed finish in Catalunya were the first achieved by an Austrian in Grand Prix in more than a decade.

2006 saw him continue his development alongside Stefan Bradl in the Red Bull KTM Junior Team – his best result being a 16th placed finish in the French GP. In 2007 Ranseder changed both team and bike, moving to Ajo Motorsport onboard a Derbi as the partner of Romanian rider Robert Muresan. Seventh place in China was his best result of the season, and his overall performances were enough to convince the I.C. Team to offer him a place alongside Andrea Iannone in 2008. Having finished 23rd in the ’08 standings, Ranseder will strive for better results in 2009 as he rides for the newly-formed Haojue Team, with the Chinese manufacturers joining the 125cc scene and partnering him with debutant Matthew Hoyle.