Kallio: The only positive thing about Friday was the small gap

The free practices of Friday did not go as planned for Mika Kallio. He was positioned 20th and 15th in FP1 and FP2, an 0,785 seconds behind German pacesetter Jonas Folger. The first free practice was run with a harder option tyre, which is typically less suitable for Kallio. The softer tyres were saved for later purposes and they did help a little in the afternoon, as Kallio’s lap time was 0,5 seconds better during the second practice. Kallio was still not happy with the time, as in his opinion at least another 0,5seconds reduction to the lap time would be needed to take them closer to the lead group. 

-The practice sessions proved difficult, as we are unaware of what to do with the bike for improvement. Typically you find a problematic area in the the bike’s settings and focus on it, but today the data gave us nothing in particular, the performance was quite poor all along. I am miles away from the pace of last year and riding is quite a struggle when the bike does not feel good, Kallio reported with a sigh. 

Kallio and his team, Italtrans, earlier decided that they would perform two runs during the FP2-practice session of the afternoon, but Kallio came in for an additional pit box visit when he was still willing to work with the front to improve the grip. 

-After two runs I felt we had found nothing beneficial in terms of the new ideas, so I decided to come in once more to get a third run on new settings. In Kallio’s opinion the third run was the best, but anyhow he claims that the sole merely satisfying result of the day was the relatively small gap of 0,785, given his position. 

 The heat of sunny Jerez does not provide challenges solely for the tyres, but the hot temperatures affect the riders’ physical stamina as well. Despite the popularity of using a water supply (integrated in the leathersuit’s back) while riding, Kallio prefers to perform his duties without extra gadgets. 

-I keep properly hydrated throughout the weekend, and rely fully on that to get me through the 45min race. Some riders use an integrated water system in their suits, but in that case the straw should be kept in the mouth at all times while riding and it annoys me. I prefer to have no distractions during the race and am happier without the water tank, Kallio states. 

Kallio suspects that tyre condition and tyre durability will play a big part during the GP weekend in Jerez. In addition, a good strategy for the upcoming days needs to be in place. 

-If we are able to save two sets of the softer option tyre for Saturday afternoon, I should have approximately a 4-5 lap chance in making a decent qualifying time. On some tracks the tyres stay fresh and hold their grip for up to 10 laps, but the Jerez track is really merciless on the tyres and they wear out quickly, Kallio explains.

-Our plan is to start immediately with 2-3 fast laps and try to make the qualifying time as early in the run as possible, before the tyres wear out. I aim to choose my location on the track so, that there is not a lot of traffic to disturb my fast laps and hope for a good results quickly. 

-My aim is to continue improving my start position on the grid, step by step. In Jerez, a good result in qualifying is vital. My race pace has been quite ok throughout the season, but we still have struggled in making a good qualifying time and not figured out a way to perform a few flying laps. Let’s hope this changes now, Kallio finishes.

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