MotoGP: Steve Jenkner to lead Maxtra development?

Retired German Steve Jenkner has been in talks about spearheading early development of the Maxtra 125GP project, which will join the 2009 125GP world championship.

The new squad, led by British motorsport legend John Surtees, was officially unveiled at last weekend’s Chinese MotoGP in Shanghai, with testing of the new bike expected to commence in the UK within the next month.

Chinese manufacturer Haojue funds the Maxtra project, with former top Aprilia engineer and designer Jan Witteveen building the new motor.

British influence on the project is strong, with Surtees getting former factory Suzuki MotoGP boss Garry Taylor to manage the project, and Harris Performance Products have designed and built the project.

Jenkner, who is now a Bridgestone tyre technician in MotoGP, was present at the Shanghai launch as a keen observer, though Taylor denied an approach for the one-time 125GP winner.

With the Maxtra team running on Dunlop rubber and Jenkner working with Bridgestone contractual complications have arisen, but negotiations are believed to be on-going.

For a full report on the Maxtra team launch, see the May 7 issue of MCN out today (Wednesday).