Daughter of a former motocross and enduro rider, Katja’s career so far demonstrates a natural obsession for the two-wheeled beast. At four years old she would attend races with her father and by the age of nine she set her heart on a career in racing after attending the German GP at Hockenheim. Despite her parents’ initial reluctance Katja remained persistent until finally, at the age of fourteen, she persuaded them to invest in her first race bike – a Suzuki RG 125. Three years later the investment had already paid off, as she became the first female to win the Junior Cup in Germany. By 18 she was competing in the German 125 series and within a year she had moved to European Supersport. Katja adapted well to the 150kg 300km/hr machines, making one podium appearance and finishing in the top five three times before moving to Superstock in 2000. The battle hardened German beauty will fulfil her lifetime ambition in 2001 when she lines up in MotoGP – forming part of the Umoto Aprilia team which also employs Ulsterman Jeremy McWilliams in the 250cc class.