New parts quicken Kallio’s pace for Le Mans

Mika Kallio has faced a lot of challenges with his Kalex 2015 bike throughout the season. The Moto2 tests which took place in Aragon last week provided some good news for the fast Finn, as he received some well awaited new upgrade parts from Kalex and Öhlins which suited him well. 

-We received a renewed spring arm and some special shock components both to the front and back of the bike, so we had our hands full in Aragon with the testing of the new parts. These tests took place in a crucial time for us, since we were in great trouble in Jerez. Now we were able to adjust the bike without a rush and it seems the new parts helped somewhat. This is good, especially when our next race takes place on the legendary track of Le Mans, Kallio commented. 

Along the season Kallio and his team have pondered on the issue of whether to change or not to change the chassis to a 2014 model, but even though this discussion was raised again in Aragon, no changes were made in the current situation. 

-We had a big discussion with Kalex after the catasthrophic race of Jerez, but so far we agreed to continue with the 2015 bike. This was actually a very simple decision to take, as we would have had no chance to acquire the old bike and old parts and set up the bike for the Aragon tests in such a limited amount of time, Kallio continued. 

The GP of Le Mans begins this Friday with free practice sessions 1 and 2. Kallio and his team, Italtrans, have recovered from the latest setback and are ready for a fight on the French track. 

-The feeling with the bike will definitely be different than before, due to the effect of the new parts. Our plan is to run the first practice through without pit stops in order to maximise my track time and kilometres on the bike. Also, it would be useless to arrive here with a negative attitude, since I know I have what it takes to win once we have solved the technical issues. If I would give up beforehand, I could as well stay home, Kallio laughed. 

The man who won the Le Mans GP last year hopes most of all to experience a weekend without new issues and good steady work, which would hopefully pay off towards Sunday .

-The Le Mans track is not that tricky, there are many straights and quick braking points, so stop and go profile, mostly. It’s not one of my personal favourites, but the ambiance is great. Lots of audience and a nice atmosphere outside of the track makes this a positive place. It is one of the most legendary tracks and I did win here last year, so my own expectations are high. Besides, who knows if I will one year hop behind the wheel of a race car and enjoy the spirit of the 24-hour race, Kallio smiled. 

 

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