De Puniet targets more podiums

Randy de Puniet has set his sights on taking more podium finishes in the remaining three races of 2007 after breaking into the MotoGP top three for the first time in Japan

The French rider finished second to Loris Capirossi at Motegi, despite going off the road twice as he struggled in the damp conditions in the early laps.

An early switch to his dry weather bike paid dividends, and he moved from 14th to second as the rest of the field pitted.

"I'm very happy, because this race was very hard," said de Puniet.

"I used a harder rain tyre in the beginning. I was thinking it was a good choice, but in the end it was not. I was off the track two times, and after that I changed my bike and it felt easier."

De Puniet admitted that he had hoped to chase down Capirossi and challenge for the victory.

"I was coming back at first place, but Loris was too far (ahead)," he said.

"But for me, to take my first podium here in Japan, for Kawasaki, is perfect. Thank you to the technical staff, because they did a good job to change the bike for my stop.

"I'd like to take more podiums to finish the season."

De Puniet and Kawasaki have shown promising speed this year, with the Frenchman qualifying in the top five on six occasions - including second on the grid at Catalunya. He also led his home Grand Prix in the wet.

But until Motegi, de Puniet struggled to convert that speed into a strong finish, and was often involved in accidents. After two years with Kawasaki, he will leave for LCR Honda in 2008.

De Puniet's Motegi result was Kawasaki's first podium finish since Shinya Nakano took second at Assen last year.