Red Bull KTM's 125 cc rider Tomoyoshi Koyama charged off to the most impressive start in the 125cc Australian Grand Prix on Sunday but he had difficulties with a strong winds howling across the Phillip Island circuit and had to settle for sixth place.
In the prevailing weather, the Japanese light-weight rider was more affected than his heavier opponents. Koyama's sixth place was followed up by his team-mates Randy Krummenacher who finished twelfth and young American rider Steve Bonsey putting in his best ever performance in dry conditions to cross the line in 15th place.
"I had a very good start, but it soon got very difficult for me," Koyama said after the race. "It was very windy, and at one particular point on the track, a gust of wind got caught in my fairing and literally blew me off the track. I tried everything to keep my line, but the front was closing due to the wind, so there was nothing I could do."
The diminutive rider admitted it was more of a problem for him that the other riders with more body weight but despite the problems he stuck with the leading pack. "In the end, there was a big group and a great battle with Talmacsi, Pasini and the others, but a podium finish was just too hard to get!"
Krummenacher said he realised in the early stage of the race that he would not be able to stick with the front group of riders. "Maybe I should have braked as hard at the beginning as I did at the end of the race!" he remarked. The Swiss rider recorded some good lap times in but then said the grip level dropped on the rear and he had to adapt his riding style by braking later and being easier on the throttle on the corner exits. "It took me a while to figure out what to do, which allowed Espargaro to pull away from me," Krummenacher said. "Towards the end, I managed to catch up with him again. I finished in 12th position, took four points, and even though I am not completely satisfied with the result, it isn't too bad."
Bonsey, the junior member of the team was delighted to register a world championship point and to have been able to put in his fastest lap in the closing stages of the race. He had to handle some jostling at the beginning of the race and got caught up in traffic. "But as soon as things settled I got my lap times going and really started pushing. I got to 15th place, and with about three laps to go, I saw Smith really making a charge on me. I pushed as much as I could even though my tyres were starting to slide around a little bit, and I did my fastest lap at the end of the race and got a point, so I am happy!"
Results
1. Lucas Pesek, Czech Republic, Derbi, 38:03.020
2. Joan Olive, Spain, Aprilia, 38:03.110
3. Hector Faubel, Spain, Aprilia, 38:03.210
4. Simone Corsi, Italy, Aprilia, 38:03:425
5. Esteve Rabat, Spain, Honda 38:03.935
6. Tomoyoshi Koyama, Japan, KTM, 38.04.335
12. Randy Krummenacher, Switzerland, KTM, 38:25.707
15. Steve Bonsey, USA, KTM, 38:40.843
Images - Kirn F.
