Kallio and Italtrans part ways with common agreement - Kallio’s season continues with QMMF

Moto2-rider Mika Kallio and the company representing team Italtrans, A.G.P. Racing S.r, have reached an agreement today in Misano about terminating Kallio’s contract for the remainder of the season 2015. Kallio and team manager of Italtrans, Luigi Pansera, have decided to perform this change in good terms and with full agreement and respect for each other. This is done to rectify the current situation that disappoints both parties. The remaining five races of season 2015 will be run by Kallio at the Qatari QMMF-team. Kallio will replace Anthony West as QMMF’s second rider and they will start testing next Monday at the track of Misano. 

-This is a relief, really. This season has not gone at all as planned and we are out of solutions concerning our technical difficulties. At QMMF I will receive a totally different package for my use, which means riding a Speed Up bike with White Power suspension. There is no use in continuing the season with the current set-up (Kalex bike with Öhlins suspension), because I am unable find grip with the new tyres when using this combination. Speed Up has demonstrated their competitiveness this year with Sam Lowes and it is interesting so see, if the customisable factory bike can solve some of the problems that have haunted me this season, Kallio commented. 

-My aim was to ride for the championship this season and brighten my silver medal from last year, but we are so far away from our goals at the moment, that we decided to take a chance and try something completely new. My contract with Italtrans was solid for the rest of the season, but due to mutual respect we agreed to call it quits together. This season has been mentally really rough for all of us, but I am excited to make fresh start with a new team for the remainder of the season. What happened is not the team’s fault, because I too did not deliver what was promised. I would say these are good news for all, Kallio stated. 

-We have negotiated with QMMF for several seasons already, but I see that now is the perfect time to take this opportunity. The different chassis and suspension they use sealed the deal for me, as changing just the team would not have helped with the specific technical problems I have faced. The QMMF team is highly professional and well run, and Luis R. Solano has promised to offer me full support while getting used to the new bike. I am as happy as in these circumstances possible, as I never would have imagined us to face such disappointments. I would like to thank the the Italtrans team for all they have done, Kallio continued. 

-We will negociate with QMMF also for an agreement for next year, but first we will perform some tests on Monday here in Misano, Kallio finished. 

Further information: QMMF (Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation) and inka@mikakallio.com

« Back