Happy week for Kallio - MotoGP-tests completed on a positive note and quadruple victories on ice

Mika Kallio has had a good week. After first riding through three successful MotoGP-test days with KTM in Valencia, he polished off the accomplishment by winning four iceroadraces in Finland on Saturday.

The ever-changing Spanish weather conditions offered a handful of challenges for the KTM test crew, as the atmosphere on track turned from wet to dry and cold to warm and back again repeatedly during the three days. Nevertheless, Kallio received thanks for his hard dedication to work and analytical feedback, which enable the team to further develop the bike for the next test in Brno, Czech Republic. 

-The conditions in Valencia were really difficult, but I am glad we wasted no time despite the tricky weather. I am hungry to make faster laps already, but we still need to work more with the electronics. Happily we made a step again, so I am looking forward to the next tests already, Kallio stated.

Kallio finished his week by attending Finnish championship ice road races on Saturday in Kauhajoki, Finland. Kallio took part in both the 450cc and 250cc classes, claiming solid victories for all four races he attended. 

-I am a bit surprised, actually, as I was not expecting such good results. In the bigger class I was looking forward to fighting for the win, but I haven’t touched the smaller bike in years and didn’t really know how it would feel like to ride after a long break. I guess experience really is the key, since I have been able to keep up feel for riding on ice even without many training laps, Kallio smiled. 

-All four starts went well and I was able to draw a gap quite quickly. This enabled me to enjoy the races and ride at my own pace, which was nice. Winning is never easy and I give all credit to my fellow riders for challenging me today, but I guess this was my day and everything just went easier than expected, Kallio continued. 

Kallio expressed thanks to his father and brother, who helped him build the bikes for the race day. As the rider himself travelled to the races nearly straight from Valencia, he appreciated their hard work which enabled him to compete in the first place. 

-Hats off for Vesa and Hannu for helping me, I would not had the time to prepare everything alone. Besides, it’s Vesa’s bike I rode in the smaller class, as I don’t even have one, Kallio laughed.

-What makes me happy, is that I have now even better pace and riding stability on ice than ever before. Guess I’m still able to learn new things and improve day by day, which is quite cool, Kallio finished. 

Before heading home to Monaco, Kallio will stay in Finland for one more week, to finish off his ice road racing season on 19-20th of March in Iisalmi.

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