Hiroshi Aoyama stunned by KTM withdrawal

Japanese rider Hiroshi Aoyama has admitted his world championship future is hanging by a thread after he was rocked by the sudden and shock decision by KTM to quit the 250GP class at the end of the season.

The Austrian factory announced in Malaysia that it would withdraw from the 250GP series immediately to concentrate on its 125GP effort in 2009.

But the decision has stunned Aoyama, who claimed pole position for tomorrow’s Sepang 250 race this afternoon.

Aoyama has been left out in the cold by KTM’s decision and he said: “I was very shocked when I heard that KTM is going to stop. It was an unexpected surprise. Right now I have no clear idea of what I am doing for next year. I am a free rider right now.”