Impressive race for Kallio in Assen

Moto2-rider Mika Kallio faced a challenging set up for the race in Assen, Netherlands, on Saturday. Due to an unsuccessful qualifying practice the Finn was forced to start from 15th place on the grid and further back than originally desired. This was not a problem for Kallio and even though the first race start was cancelled due to a red flag, he managed to perform another good start in succession during the second race session and climbed up to eight place in the end, finishing in the top ten. The race was won by Johann Zarco.

-This ride performed was probably the best we could do at this level. We had a lot of issues again this weekend, so I am happy with this result. I gave my all and this is where I got to, that counts as a job well done, Kallio commented.

The race was cut down to just 16 laps instead of the original 24, as there was an oil spill found on track due to Luis Salom’s crash and they were forced to restart the Dutch GP after a few laps.

Kallio was not disturbed by the interference of the red flag and he considers the shorter race to have been beneficial for him and his persistent issues with tyre endurance.

-It was a shame that the first start was annulled, as I was able to reach a bit of a higher position after the start during the first try. The second start was not that bad either, so I am content anyway. I still felt that the tyres were giving up on me and the second half of the race was filled with a familiar struggle again. I was able to keep up with the pace of the leading guys for the first half of the race, but then the grip started to disappear and I was forced to slow down, Kallio continued.

Kallio’s best lap time during the race was a whole second closer to the pace of the top time setters than in qualifying or practices, and this made the rider smile.

-After a good start I was able to catch the front and kept an excellent pace for a while. In the future we have to focus on sustainable speed, so that the tyres would last longer in the race. I also look forward to honing the bike more and trying to reach better positions in qualifying, so that the way to the podium would not be that long. Anyhow it is good to be back in the top ten and I want to take it further from here, all the way to the top, Kallio finished.

Mika Kallio will continue his journey next week to a motorcycle fair in Italy and after that the preparations for Sachsenring GP, held 10-12th of July in Germany, will take place.

Results for Dutch GP in Assen, race 9/18

1. Johann Zarco

2. Tito Rabat +0,757

3. Sam Lowes +2,080

4. Alex Rins +3,738

5. Thomas Luthi +4,530

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8. Mika Kallio +8,150

World championship standing

1. Johann Zarco 150

2. Tito Rabat 114

3. Sam Lowes 96