Kallio finds top pace in free practices of Argentina

Mika Kallio’s previous aims to top the timesheets are now closer than ever before this season, as he was third yesterday in the combined practice sessions of FP1 and FP2 in the GP of Argentina. With just an 0,187 gap to the fastest man of the day, Johann Zarco, Mika fought his way in to finally finding the pace he was looking for and the fast finn is now ready for qualifying. 

 The good results were not offered on a silver plate, though, as the first practice session of the day still provided difficulties Kallio and his team. 

 -This morning we decided to run with the harder tyre, but even though we struggled to make it work, I never really found the grip with this one. In the afternoon we switched to the softer tyre mix and the effect was immediate and very positive. Additionally, we found something interesting concerning the rear shock linkage and also ended up lowering the front with a few millimetres. This made the bike lighter to handle and I no longer needed to fight with the bike in the corners, as it was now easier to turn, Kallio reported happily. 

 -It was great to notice that I was able to run the whole second practice session through with the same tyre and the grip did not disappear towards the end. It is always a bit of a mystery how the softer tyre will react in the long run, but now it remained fresh and I am really relieved to see that this weekend is starting out a lot better than the two previous ones, a content Kallio continued. 

 The successful practice session promises for a turn towards the better for the qualifying practice and Sunday’s race, but the fight for the world championship title remains challenging. 

 -We have struggled so much during the beginning of this season, that I still need a lot more confidence for my riding and especially towards the bike. Right now I am happy that we have not been forced to change the bike so dramatically during the course of this weekend, because this gives me more time to get adjusted to the chosen settings. If my pace is on the same level tomorrow, for sure I will aim for a better qualifying position than the ones seen previously this season, Kallio finished. 

 The qualifying practice of the third Moto2-race of the season 2015 will air in Finland on Nelonen Pro 1-channel on Saturday at 21:05pm local time.

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