Young Swiss rider Bastien Chesaux makes his 250cc debut this year with a new team in the quarter-litre category, Racing Team Germany. Former rider Dirk Heidolf manages the project, Chesaux has German teammate Toni Wirsing occupying the other side of the garage. The teenager participated in the last eight 125cc races of the 2008 World Championship season on Aprilia machinery with the WTR San Marino Team, though he was unable to score a point in his debut campaign.