Scotland’s John McPhee is grabbing a new opportunity offered to him by MotoGP owners Dorna with both hands and says he wants to turn it into Moto3 race wins in 2017.

The Oban man is the single-rider British Talent team this season, backed by Dorna and run by Alberto Puig, and wants to put a tough 2016 behind him and start to challenge for honours.

“Last season was very difficult, with a lot of ups and downs. But finally, step by step, we got stronger and the highlight of the season was at Brno with the first win. Unfortunately there were also a lot of difficult moments when we were fighting for 15th or just outside the points. I felt like I was riding the best I ever have but with some technical problems we couldn’t quite get to the top. It was a difficult season but I learnt a lot and now I’m ready to learn more,” said McPhee.

“I’m coming back stronger and stronger now. I’ve listened to the doctors and done everything correctly. There’s only so much time a rider can take to relax and recover, and over winter is the best time for that to happen. I was unfortunate but these things happen and it’s part of the sport. It’s been difficult getting back into training these past ten days or so and I’m working on my fitness.”

“I feel like I’ve got a great opportunity. With Dorna behind me, and the team and bike and Alberto managing. I feel like it’s all looking really good. I’m feeling positive and I have my mind set on one target: win races. In Spain and Italy they have many riders coming up but from the UK it’s very difficult to get to MotoGP.  To try to get the funding and support is really difficult. So I think what Dorna are doing now is great. It’s a one-rider team for this season and we’ll see what happens. I hope it can continue and bring on younger riders in the future.”