Mirko Giansanti raced his first event at just 7 years of age and made his Grand Prix debut as a wildcard at Mugello in '96. A point-scoring ride in his second appearance that year at Catalunya contributed to a full ride on a Honda in '97, when he finished 9th. He progressed to 6th the following season with Aprilia but was back with Honda and challenging for honours in 2000, when his title chances were prematurely cut short by a hand injury after leading the chase in the early stages. The 25 year old Italian showed just glimpses of his best form in 2001, adding just one podium to his previous nine, but could be fighting for the title once again this season if he can find consistency and steer clear of injuries.