Poensgen is the only female competing in the male-dominated world of international road racing and the only woman to have won an international title when she took out the 1998 Supermono Cup, an event run as part of the Superbike World Championship and Supersport World Series rounds. 

"It will be great for motorcycle racing to have a woman racing," said Poensgen.

"It will be very tough, but I've shown in the past that I'm more than capable as a rider against some pretty good competition."

The 24-year old will join Northern Ireland's Jeremy McWilliams, who will return as an Aprilia factory rider in 2001.

He has confirmed that he will ride an RS250 identical to the one ridden by top Italian teenager Marco Melandri.

McWilliams is confident that his return to the 250cc category will let him fulfill his ambition of winning a Grand Prix and give him a serious chance of winning a world title. 

He competed for, amongst others, Aprilia in 250cc racing between 1997 and 1999.  However, despite a series of impressive performances he could never secure factory rides until his chance came with Aprilia's 500 V-twin during 2000. 

That program has now been discontinued.  "Moving back to 250s is not a problem," said McWilliams. "I know that I now have the chance to win races and a genuine chance of winning the championship."

Aprilia will also give 36-year old McWilliams the opportunity to ride the firm's four-stroke in 2002 when new Grand Prix rules come into force.

Go here for a profile on Katja