Alex Hofmann

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Alex Hofmann joined the Red Bull Yamaha Team for two races during the 2002 Season, at Barcelona and Assen in the Netherlands. Hofmann, 22, from German replaced injured Red Bull rider Garry McCoy who was out for 8 weeks with a broken leg. Alex made History in riding for the Red Bull Yamaha Team as he became the first German ever to compete on a Factory 500 Yamaha, as well as the first German to compete in the new Moto GP class.

Hofmann came home in 11th place in the race at Assen and retired from the race in Barcelona.

ALEX HOFMANN DETAILS

Date of Birth: 25TH May 1980
Place of Birth: Mindelhelm, Germany
Height: 1.80m
Weight: 68kg

Racing History:
1992: Junior German Champion, Motocross 80cc
1993: Junior German Champion, Motocross 80cc
1995: Began racing 125s
1997: German Championship 125cc
1998: European Championship, 250cc Honda
           German Champion - 250cc -Honda
1999: 16th - 250cc World Championship - TSR Honda
2000: 25th - 250cc World Championship, Aprilia Team Racing Factory
2001: 12th -250cc World Championship, Aprilia Team Racing Factory

HOFMANN MAKES HISTORY AT CATALUNYA GP

German, Alex Hofmann makes racing history this weekend at the Catalunya GP in Spain aboard the Red Bull Yamaha YZR 500. Hofmann, who has recently celebrated his 22nd birthday, has the honour this weekend of being the first German rider ever to race on a Factory 500 Yamaha.

Alex Hofmann

"I am the first German ever to compete on a Factory 500 Yamaha as well as the first German to race in the new MotoGP class so it's history in the making this weekend. I am so happy to be here and to be given this opportunity. I am here to have fun and ride the bike at one of my favourite tracks. I am racing in the best class, with the best riders on the best bikes and I will be pushing myself to the limit.

I tested the bike for only one day last week in Assen, so I plan to get as much track time as possible on Friday and Saturday so I can get a feeling for the bike. I have no expectations but I want to make solid progress over the weekend.

"I am sure that the German fans will pay more attention to the MotoGP class this weekend with a German racing a 500 and I guess there will be more watching the TV coverage and cheering me on from the sidelines, pushing me on. I am here to work hard and to do my best."

Alex who contested the 250 World Championship last season for the Aprilia Racing Factory Team will be competing on bike no 66, this weekend his racing number since 1995.

Hofmann rides the Red Bull Yamaha this weekend in place of the injured Jean-Michel Bayle, who is resting his torn left arm bicep muscle. Bayle, the 2002 Test Rider himself replaces Garry McCoy who is anticipated to be racing at the UK Grand Prix.