Now in his ninth full season in Grand Prix racing, 27 year old Stefano Perugini is a relative veteran of the 125 class. Having made his 125 debut as a wildcard in 1993 he contested his first full season the following year and picked up four podium finishes from the final five races. In 1996 he claimed the first of his three victories to date and stepped up to the 250 class in 97. After three consistent seasons in the quarter-litre category, which included 32 top ten finishes and 3 podiums, Perugini returned to the 125 class last season. The Italian's fortunes dipped dramatically as he ended the season back in 21st place riding for Italjet, but he will be looking to put things right with the same factory in 2002.