Famous German Motorcycle Racers

Stefan Bradl is a German professional motorcycle racer who made a mark by winning the Moto2 World Championship in 2011 before transitioning to MotoGP with LCR Honda in 2012. Notably, he achieved pole position at Laguna Seca and finished second in a race ahead of Valentino Rossi. Despite facing setbacks due to injuries, Bradl demonstrated his talent by finishing 7th in the 2013 MotoGP season, his best result to date. He continues to contribute to the sport as a test rider for Honda Racing Corporation and occasionally participates as a wild card or injury replacement rider.

Sandro Cortese is a retired German motorcycle racer known for his success in various racing championships. He achieved his first world title in the Moto3 class in 2012 and secured his second title in the Supersport World Championship in 2018. Cortese's professional career was marked by his dedication, having contested every race from his Grand Prix debut in 2005 until 2016, with only one exception due to a knee injury. He last competed in the 2020 World Superbike Championship for Team Pedercini.

Ingeborg Stoll-Laforge was a talented German motorcycle racer known for her exceptional skills on the racetrack. She made a name for herself in the competitive world of motorcycle racing during her career. Stoll's determination, passion, and fearless riding style set her apart from her peers, earning her recognition and respect in the racing community. Her achievements and contributions to the sport inspired many aspiring racers and left a lasting impact on the history of motorcycle racing.

Katja Poensgen is a German former professional motorcycle racer known for her groundbreaking achievements in Grand Prix racing. She made history as the first female competitor to qualify for a 250cc Grand Prix race, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination in a male-dominated sport. Poensgen's remarkable career and contributions to the sport were recognized when she was inducted into the FIM Hall of Fame in 2011, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in motorcycle racing.

Ernst Degner was a professional Grand Prix motorcycle road racer from Eastern Germany known for his daring defection to the west in 1961. He played a crucial role in transferring MZ's tuning techniques to Suzuki, leading to the Japanese company's first Grand Prix championship win in 1962. Degner's bold move and technical expertise significantly contributed to Suzuki's success in motorcycle racing, cementing his legacy as a skilled and influential figure in the sport.

Stefan Dörflinger is a Swiss former Grand Prix motorcycle road racer known for his exceptional achievements in the FIM road racing world championships. He won four consecutive world championships, including two titles in the 50 cc category in 1982 and 1983. When the displacement capacity was increased to 80 cc in 1984, Dörflinger became the first-ever 80 cc world champion and successfully defended his title in 1985. His illustrious Grand Prix career spanned 18 seasons, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.

Werner Haas was a notable Grand Prix motorcycle road racer from Germany who achieved great success in the early 1950s. He made history by becoming Germany's first motorcycle world champion in 1953 by winning the FIM 125 and 250 World Championship for NSU. Haas continued his winning streak by securing the 250 world championship title the following year. Tragically, his promising career was cut short when he lost his life in a light plane accident in Germany in 1956.

Anton "Toni" Mang is a highly accomplished German former Grand Prix motorcycle racer, having secured the prestigious world champion title five times throughout his career. Known for his exceptional skills and determination on the track, Mang achieved remarkable success in the realm of motorcycle racing. His impressive achievements and victories solidified his reputation as one of the most talented and respected figures in the sport. Mang's legacy continues to inspire aspiring racers and enthusiasts, leaving a lasting impact on the world of Grand Prix motorcycle racing.

Dieter Braun, a former professional motorcycle road racer from Germany, enjoyed a successful career in Grand Prix motorcycle racing from 1968 to 1976. He claimed the FIM 125cc World Championship for Suzuki in 1970 and the 250cc FIM world championship in 1973 riding a Yamaha TZ 250. Braun's victory at the 1970 Isle of Man TT was particularly noteworthy, as he won on his first attempt, a rare feat due to the circuit's complexities. Additionally, he competed in car racing, participating in the 1975 European Formula Two Championship. Braun's career came to an end following a serious accident at the 1977 350cc Austrian Grand Prix.

Hermann Paul Müller was a versatile German motorsport champion known for his success in sidecar, motorcycle, and race car racing. He achieved numerous titles throughout his career, including the German Sidecar Championship in 1932, the German 500cc Motorcycle title in 1936, and the 1939 FIA French Grand Prix driving for Auto Union. Müller also won the 250cc world championship in 1955 and set world speed records for NSU. His remarkable achievements spanned various disciplines and solidified his legacy in motorsport history.

Dirk Raudies is a former professional motorcycle racer from Germany who excelled in the 125cc class, winning the Grand Prix world championship in 1993. After retiring from racing in 1997, he transitioned into a successful career as a television sports presenter and motorsport commentator. Raudies has been a commentator for Eurosport since 2004, covering MotoGP, Superbike World Championship, and the Supersport World Championship. His expertise and experience in motorcycle racing provide valuable insights to viewers during broadcasts.

Hans-Georg Anscheidt is a retired German Grand Prix motorcycle road racing World Champion who achieved great success in the sport. He won three consecutive FIM 50 cc world championships from 1966 to 1968 as part of the Suzuki factory racing team. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, Anscheidt was inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame as a MotoGP Legend on 15 June 2023. His skill, dedication, and achievements have solidified his legacy as a prominent figure in the world of motorcycle racing.

Helga Steudel, also known as Helga Heinrich-Steudel, is a former motorcyclist and car racer from the DDR. She made history as the only female motorcyclist to win at the Sachsenring under her maiden name. After retiring in 1967, she returned to racing in 1970 with her Melkus RS 1000 at the Lückendorfer Bergrennen. Throughout her career, Steudel demonstrated skill, determination, and a passion for racing that allowed her to achieve notable successes and leave a lasting impact on the motorsport world.

Stephan Katt is a retired professional motorcycle rider from Germany, known for his expertise in Grasstrack, Longtrack, and speedway racing. Throughout his career, Katt represented the German national speedway team in international competitions, earning one international cap. He was highly regarded for his skills and achievements in the racing world, gaining recognition for his performances on the track. Katt's dedication and passion for motorcycle racing allowed him to leave a lasting impact on the sport during his professional tenure.

Bernd Diener is a retired German motorcycle speedway rider who excelled in Speedway, Longtrack, and Grasstrack competitions. Throughout his career, he achieved significant success, including being a two-time World longtrack team champion. Diener's expertise and skills on the track earned him a strong reputation within the motorsport community. He was known for his dedication to the sport and his ability to perform consistently at a high level in various racing disciplines, making him a respected figure in the world of motorcycle racing.