After becoming JGTC and Formula Nippon champion in 2003, and motivated after the death of his childhood friend Daijiro Kato, Motoyama began to pursue opportunities to race in the Formula One World Championship. On October 10, 2003, Motoyama was given a Friday test drive for the Jordan F1 Team prior to the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit. On December 10, 2003, Motoyama was given a chance to test with the Renault F1 Team at Circuito de Jerez in Spain. He completed 69 laps and was only two seconds off the fastest lap recorded by Renault ace driver Fernando Alonso.