Burns and Waldmann team up for MotoGP

Chris Burns and GP veteran Ralf Waldmann have been announced as the riders for the Yamaha-based Harris WCM.

Waldmann hasn’t raced full-time in GPs since 2000, but holds the dubious distinction of being the most successful rider in GP history never to have won a world title. With two runner-up positions in 250cc GPs, his experience could prove valuable to WCM, and he feels a bigger bike won’t be a problem.

” I know that my style suits the big bikes because I am not really a high corner speed rider. I like to use the power I found that when I rode Kenny Roberts’ 500 in 1998 ”

Waldmann joins Chris Burns, the 22-year-old Geordie, who makes the jump from British Superstock to MotoGP. Burns contract is for one season, though team boss Peter Clifford has taken out an option for a further three years, meaning that Burns could find himself in GPs until 2006.

Burns was recommended for the ride by Niall Mackenzie. ” Now I’ve got the ride I reckon I must owe Niall a few drinks. I’m under no illusions about the size of the task because we have an untried bike. ” The ride had been turned down by reigning MCN British Superbike champion Steve Hislop and Michael Rutter, but Burns was happy to take it. Burns said: ” I doubt I’ll ever have a better start to the New Year than landing a GP ride.

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