Former plumber Steve Jenkner made his Grand Prix debut in 1996, after a little help from former World Champion Dirk Raudies. His passage into motorcycle racing was not an easy one and Steve struggled to achieve decent results as constant differences with the various head mechanics that he was assigned took their toll. Born and raised within a stone's throw of the Sachsenring circuit, Jenkner has gradually matured into one of the 125 category's most consistent riders. He took his first podium finishes in 2001 with 3rd place at Assen and Brno, and despite a dip in form towards the end of the season he will be hoping to produce the sort of regularity that could see him mount a serious title challenge in 2002.