Zoom Mike di Meglio

New 125cc World Champion had a tense moment upon crossing the line in first at the Australian Grand Prix, not knowing whether or not he had been confirmed as the 2008 titlist.

The Frenchman did not have to wait long, with the announcement of his coronation leaving him stunned with delight.

“When I took the flag, I didn´t know if I had the title or not – it´s only when a fan came to give me the tricolore flag that I realized I won it - I saw the World Champion sign on the giant screens and I was blown away”, said the new king of the lower cylinder category. “It´s really a great feeling to become World Champion. We managed it because we did a great job as a team, with the staff and Derbi.”

The Ajo Motorsport rider becomes only the second French rider to win the 125cc World Championship, following in the footsteps of 2002 title holder Arnaud Vincent. Of the five continental riders to have clinched titles, at 20 years old Di Meglio is also the youngest.

In the race itself, Di Meglio rode more or less untroubled after holeshot-taker Bradley Smith crashed out, riding a solitary race with more than ten seconds between himself and Stefan Bradl.

A fourth victory of the season comes in stark contrast to his 2007 campaign, and he puts such improvement down to a combination of factors.

“What made the difference this year is probably all the people around me, my team, my fiancée, all the people who are helping. I feel comfortable and at ease whenever I get to a track and outside the races I really took the time to relax and spend some time at home. Before this weekend I didn't really feel any pressure. I was a bit worried before the start - I knew I could do a good race and I didn´t want to make any mistake”, said the new champion, whose future is still undecided. “Nothing is certain for next year. Things should get clearer now and easier now, so we´ll wait and see on that!”

© DORNA / CAPSIS International