Kallio’s challenges in Brno continue during qualifying

Mika Kallio’s unfortunate hardship continues in the track of Brno, Czech Republic. On one of his favorite and most success providing tracks throughout the years, Kallio managed a weak 18th position in Satuday's qualifying practice, with a gap of 1,397 seconds to pole setter Johann Zarco. 

Kallio’s qualifying session resembled mostly a battle for survival and sadly no improvement was found to the bike, despite various efforts. 

-It is the same story all over again. Our problem with the front tyre has not disappeared despite ferocious efforts. We have turned the bike completely around, but no help has been found to tackle the issue. The situation is pretty catastrophic, as just a week ago we were fighting for the win. Now that we are back on a track with naturally strong grip, I am in trouble. The difference is vast and I feel somewhat shocked being back at the 20-something positions, especially after last weeks good pace and podium hunt, Kallio shook his head. 

Before the qualifying Kallio and his team experimented with nearly all available setting options, but none did the trick to fix the issue with the long lost front grip 

-We changed things around quite a bit, but no matter what we do, the problem remains. It is driving me crazy. The bike is nearly impossible to ride as it is, but it seems there is nothing we can do, Kallio continued. 

Road racing is one of the most physically demanding forms of sport, but especially the mental side of things should stay calm and relaxed in order for the rider to perform well. Kallio admits, that it has been a rough season, and finding confidence and balance has required special attention this year. 

-Lighting up the proper race feeling has been sometimes tough, as you need to pick yourself up after every disappointment and assure yourself, that tomorrow will be better. I have done it countless times this season - I am thinking more than fifty times. The amount of setbacks this year is unseen, I have never had a season like this during my whole career. Luckily for me, I have been able to stay motivated throughout the GP’s and for sure every time the helmet goes on, the will to fight with all you’ve got appears instantly, Kallio declared. 

-Tomorrow, during the first lap, here is no time to sit around waiting for a good opportunity - you need to strike instantly. I am looking to make an aggressive start and rise several positions at once. This is if everything goes as planned, especially in turns one and two. I do hope it would rain, but there’s pretty much nothing I can do about it to make it come true. I am basically sure about nothing else what tomorrow will bring, except for a fact I know black, round Dunlop tyres will be involved, Kallio laughed. 

 

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