Koyama reflects on third position and KTM changes

Third in the 2007 125cc World Championship and with a first victory to his name, Tomoyoshi Koyama was understandably wanted for a further year by factory KTM. The Japanese rider will be riding for the Austrian manufacturer once more next season, although with the disbanding of the factory team he will be competing under the Seedorf banner with top machinery in 2008.

Speaking at the end of a busy year for one of the favourites for the upcoming season, Koyama explained to motogp.com this week his emotions upon reflection of a coming of age.

After two years without the chance to fight for the title, finally this year I was able to have a factory bike at my disposal. I would have liked to have won more races, but at the start of the season I had difficulties getting going, said the Japanese talent.

After winning in Catalunya we kept up the pace, and I am very happy to have finished third in the World Championship, he added, before reflecting on the highlight of his year.

In Barcelona I was able to say finally we did it! At first I didnt realise what I had achieved, but it was very special when I heard the national anthem on the podium. The Japanese Championship wins dont even compare to that moment; it was simply fantastic, eulogised Koyama, who gave credit to the KTM team that allowed him to realise his dream.

For me, KTM is the best team to fight with for the title. At the beginning of the year we had some engine problems, but we improved all through the year, and our top speed was equal to that of the Aprilia.

Koyama will be back in action at the beginning of 2008, testing with the Seedorf KTM team and preparing to mount a challenge on the title currently held by Gabor Talmacsi.