Mika second in Moto2 WC despite terrible last race

Mika Kallio didn't manage to finish the last race of the season at Valencia today. Reason for Kallio's retirement of the race was a collision between Spaniard Maverick Vinales and Kallio on the opening lap of the race, at the final corner of the Valencia's Ricardo Tormo Track.

Vinales, who was competing with Kallio about Moto2 silver medal, made a mistake and ruled the Finn out of contention. Neither Kallio or Vinales were able to continue their race, which meant that Kallio, who had 15 point advantage compared to Vinales before Valencia GP, was announced to second in the Moto2 World Championship this year.

Mika Kallio // DNF
“A crash on the first lap caused by a stupid mistake of another rider was not how I planned to end my relationship with Marc VDS. Viñales missed his braking point and hit me and we both crashed. The only good thing is that it was him that took me out otherwise I could have lost second in the World Championship. I wanted to at least be on the podium, so it is hard to accept because I couldn’t reach two big goals I had. I wanted to reach 300 points for the first time in my career and also finish all 18 races. It was still a fantastic season for the team to take a 1-2 in the Championship and I want to thank all at the Marc VDS Racing Team for their support since 2011. It has been a fantastic relationship and together we have shared some of the best moments in my career.”
 
Michael Bartholemy // Team Principal
“I am very sorry for Mika because it was a big mistake from Viñales but we secured the 1-2 in the Championship and that is an amazing accomplishment. I’d like to pay tribute to Mika for all he has done for the Marc VDS Racing Team since 2011. He has been the consummate professional, a great competitor and fantastic ambassador for Marc VDS. We would not be in the position we are now without Mika because he was crucial when we changed to Kalex. He guided our project back then and I wish him luck for the future, as long as he doesn’t beat us in 2015!”

Photo: Gold and Goose Photography

« Back