Jarno Janssen began his racing career ten years ago in 50cc club races. He immediately moved to the Dutch Championship and progressed through national 125 competition to make his Grand Prix debut in the class as a wildcard at Assen in 1996, when he also contested the European Championship. After moving up to a 250 in '98 he made his third Dutch TT appearance in three years before sealing a full World Championship ride in 1999. After two difficult seasons Janssen finally found his feet in 2001, returning to the European Championship to finish in 4th place and scoring points on his 500cc debut as a replacement for Haruchika Aoki at Le Mans.