Son of the legendary Angel Nieto (13 times World Champion), 'Gelete' decided he wanted to be a professional rider against the wishes of his father, who did all he could to direct the youngster towards another career. However, once the famed '12+1' Champion accepted his son's wishes he decided to give him his unconditional support. Angel Jr. began competing in 1993 under the guidance of Jorge MartÃnez "Aspar", participating in various rounds of the Spanish Championship. In 1995 he made his World Championship debut at the Czech Grand Prix as the second rider in the Aspar team, finishing in a highly respectable 8th place. 'Gelete' was given his chance in the European Championship in 1996 by Airtel Aspar, and he demonstrated his exciting potential with a fourth placed finish overall. In the following seasons he made progress in World 125 without ever really making in his mark, and in 1999 he left Aprilia, with whom he had always raced. He took up a position on a Honda RS in the Via Digital team run by Angel Sr. as his team-mate that year Emilio Alzamora went on to win the Championship.
