Kallio’s huge weekend - historical MotoGP race and new baby coming

If you love MotoGP you shouldn’t miss this - Mika Kallio will make his comeback into MotoGP in Valencia after six years of waiting. Since testing a KTM bike all year Kallio has been waiting for this opportunity. KTM will introduce their new bike and prepare the team for the next season at the MotoGP series. This upcoming weekend will be truly special for both Mika Kallio and the KTM.


- The start in Valencia will be a remarkable moment. KTM is bringing this new bike to the stage and it is a great honor to compete with it for the very first time. This whole year has been amazing and I couldn’t imagine a better way to end the season, Kallio told.


- This coming weekend will be memorable for me and all of the KTM staff. The team will gain valuable experience through working under pressure and I can finally enjoy riding again at MotoGP, Kallio continued cheerfully.


Kallio’s last race was about a year ago also in Valencia. People might have already been thinking that his career is going to end soon, but the determined Kallio still wants to race.


- For me personally this is a huge test and a great chance to show that I still got it. We are not ready to compete for the win but our tests have been really promising. For me it’s important to be the rider starting the competition again. I want to show everyone that I can still drive in MotoGP and that I deserve a place in the future.


Coming back to MotoGP will bring some new aspects to the race because the rules are a bit different to the rules of Moto2.


- The biggest difference is changing the whole bike if it rains. It’s a massive tactical aspect because every ride has to change their bike. During the weekend we will practice how to do the change. I have to, for example, practice how to jump onto the new bike as quickly as possible. We can’t even lose a second, Kallio highlighted.


However, this wonderful and exceptional opportunity will not be the crowning moment of Kallio’s long and successful career. He has a clear vision and goals on his mind.


- I’ll do KTM testing during the next season as well, and of course, I’ll be ready to replace a KTM rider if one of them can’t race. I believe this is the best way to get a place at the MotoGP.


- We will do extensive testing during the winter and that’s where I have to succeed and show my skills compared to fellow KTM riders, Kallio pondered.

And as if this historical race is not enough, Kallio also has something big going on. He might have a baby during the weekend in Valencia. If the baby is as fast as his father they might be born before Kallio even crosses the finish line.


- Well, many exciting things are coming up. By the way, I was starting a race in Portugal when my first child was born. I didn’t know about it until after the race, when I was told “it’s a girl!”. I know how to concentrate so the race will go well. Frankly, I hope I can make it home before the birth.


KTM hasn’t given Kallio any objectives for the race but the racer himself does have some goals to achieve.


- I’m not going to be at the end of the queue in the race. I have some personal goals on which I’ll focus after the time trials. I can race without pressure and I believe I’ll be on fire when the lights go out, the self-confident and calm Kallio said.


Mika Kallio and KTM will start their historical weekend with practice sessions on Friday 11.11. The qualifying race will be driven on Saturday 12.11. and the main race will be on Sunday 13.11.

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