Kallio rose to tenth position in season finale GP of Valencia

The last Moto2-race of the season 2015 took place in Valencia, Spain on Sunday 8th of November. Birthday boy Mika Kallio rode to an impressive finish in the last battle of his Moto2-career and he was relieved to have done what was possible in the season finale. Kallio started from position 15 on the grid and rose to tenth place, securing him the desired Top10-spot he was aiming for. 

The race was shortened due to a big crash among multiple riders resulting in a red flagged first start. The new race length was reduced to 18 laps and this was happy news for Kallio, as the worry of tyre endurance was lifted from his back and he managed a better start on the second session.  

-We can absolutely be satisfied with the result, as there is no chance we could have done better today. This tenth position was the highest realistic target we were able to set with the team, and I nailed it exactly. I clocked my fastest lap time of the weekend today and my riding in the race was as constant, as the circumstances allowed. I can be happy with myself, a relieved Kallio commented. 

The season of 2015 was the most challenging one of Kallio’s 14 years in the world championship series of road racing. The new tyre composition destroyed Kallio’s hopes of continuing on a victorious track and his mission to brighten up his silver medal from 2014. In some tracks, glimpses of his speed and skills were briefly visible, but mostly this season’s undesired technical changes and challenges created pretty much the worst situation possible for rider.   

-It has been a rough year and it’s hard to say anything positive about this season. I have suffered so many disappointments and actually haven’t had chances to congratulate myself or feel good or satisfied, especially compared to the enormous amount of work we have done with two teams. The best feeling I had in Indianapolis GP and specially the qualifying practice, where I finished third. This was my happiest moment this season. I won’t miss at all wrestling with the same tyre problems each weekend and it does bug me a lot that there was nothing we could do about it. You feel pretty powerless, when you realise where the problems lie and understand you can’t affect the situation yourself, Kallio sighed. 

The next year of 2016 will be completely different for Kallio, as he has signed up to become a MotoGP-test rider for factory team KTM. Kallio is excited about his new project and hungry to make a return to the big class for the season 2017. 

-A lot of changes are coming up. My schedule will be completely different, after 14 similar years of touring the GP’s. Travels will not end, as we will test a lot on various tracks. More factory work and development activities are expected and I am really psyched  to get my hands on the new bike. I aim to keep in best possible physical shape and do such a great job in the tests, that I will show the team management there is no one better to choose as a MotoGP race rider for 2017,  Kallio smiled. 

-Finally I would like to thank all of my sponsors, team members, family members, and friends who have had faith in me, helped during this tough season and who have encouraged me to pursue my dreams in the MotoGP-class. I hope to make this worthwhile to all of us in 2017, Kallio finished.

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