Mika Kallio gave home manufacturer KTM something big to cheer at the Austrian GP, coming home in P10 for another top result to back up Pol Espargaro’s ninth last time out at Brno.
Kallio, test rider for the marque and longterm member of the project, was also only a tenth off Loris Baz over the line – and, crucially, within 20 seconds of winner Andrea Dovizioso.
With early disappointment for Espargaro after retiring with a mechanical following a touch off the start, Kallio kept the flag flying high as he went on the charge, showing both his speed and yet more incredible progress from KTM – who fielded another huge range of new parts at their home GP.
“I think it was almost like a victory for us, to be Top 10 for KTM at our home race with lots of spectators and guests. “Also for me this was something where I can demonstrate my speed is still there even if I’ve been the test rider for a while and not done too many races in the last two years.”
“I really enjoyed fighting with the other guys during the race; for sure there were a lot of moments, losing the front and losing the rear. To stay on the bike and pushing the limits all the time, to finally be in the Top 10 we can be really satisfied with that.”
“We used almost a new bike for this weekend, there was a lot of new parts on the bike: frame, suspension and many other things, and we made a step for sure. We already saw Espargaro in Brno finishing 9th, inside the Top 10 and not too far from the front, so let’s see what the next steps are.”
“I believe in the bike we are using now, we didn’t find the perfect setup, so we need to work more on those parts and then for next year I believe we can make some bigger modifications on the bike.”