Unlucky Kallio tackled off track during Indianapolis GP

Mika Kallio had a strong weekend in Indianapolis, USA. During the free practices he demonstrated a consistent, good pace and was in the top group throughout the sessions, finishing to the front row in qualifying with well deserved third position. Unfortunately the hungrily awaited race ended with a massive disappointment, as Kallio was touched by Sam Lowes while riding sixth and his race ended along with the collision on the tenth lap. Lowes was able to continue his race after the contact, but his race was also terminated prematurely after a few additional laps. Spaniard Alex Rins ended up winning the race and Kallio did not hide his frustration after the GP. 

-What is there more to say? Once again, this did not end up as planned. I am especially annoyed since I had to stop the race due to another rider’s mistake. I don’t blame Lowes as such, this is what racing is like, but I believe this situation could have been avoided. There was nothing I could do, the collision swiped the bike straight from underneath me, Kallio judged. 

The race was a classic Moto 2 race, with an even fight and a lot of twists and turns throughout the way. More than five riders fought for the victory and the changing weather conditions provided an additional challenge for the teams. Kallio, among several other riders, changed his tyre tactics just a few minutes before the start. 

-The weather was bizarre, it was not easy to predict what would happen. It still rained when we entered the pit lane just ten minutes before the start. Suddenly we noticed that the track had started to dry rapidly and we needed to revoke our decision and start with slicks instead of rain tyres. I rode the first few laps with caution, since there were still wet spots on the track and I didn’t want to risk a crash. I lost several positions during that time, but I did not mind. I knew that I’m able to catch them when the track dries enough and that’s exactly what I did. I caught up with the leading group and was just planning an overtake on race winner Rins, when I was tackled off track, Kallio continued. 

-I had everything under control and was riding according to my plan. I kept the distance to the front group manageable and tried to avoid any stupid mistakes of my own. I had a consistent, quick pace throughout the race and I know that I would have fought for the win if if hadn’t been for that stupid crash, Kallio huffed. 

Kallio’s weekend in Indianapolis, despite the race crash, was his best so far this season. The rider was happy with the performance of both himself and his team. 

-This weekend we were on a level where we belong.Top pace and consistent laps made me happy and it would have been interesting to see how the race would have finished if I would have stayed on track. It really annoys me to end a great weekend like this, but now we need to leave this setback behind, focus our energy towards the upcoming Brno race and hope to make up for the lost podium there, Kallio finished. 

 

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