British MotoGP: Ralf Waldmann to make Donington comeback at 43!

Ralf Waldmann, the most successful rider in Grand Prix history never to win a world championship, will make a sensational return to action in Sunday’s British 250GP. The German, who was runner-up twice to Max Biaggi in the 250GP world championship, will replace Russian Vladimir Leonov for the Kiefer Racing squad. Waldmann, who hasn’t raced since 2002, is now a shareholder with Martin Wimmer in MZ. One of the most memorable moments of his career came at Donington Park in 2000. Running on wet tyres on a drying track, Waldmann trailed the leaders by over a minute with just five laps remaining. But as rain started to fall, he came through to claim a sensational victory at the final corner from Frenchman Olivier Jacque by just over 0.3s. Waldmann said: “I just want to take part. I also want to use the event to promote MZ. Maybe we put some stickers on the Aprilia.” Last weekend at the German GP at the Sachsenring, Waldmann showed off a new MZ 250cc racer, which is powered by a four-stroke KTM motor.

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