Kallio gunning for glory at the Dutch TT

Mika Kallio is back in Northern Europe this weekend, for round eight of the Moto2 World Championship at the TT Circuit Assen.

Often referred to as the Cathedral of Speed, the Assen circuit has lost some of its character to modifications over the past decade, but it remains a favourite of many riders, including Kallio and his Marc VDS teammate Esteve Rabat.

For Kallio the goal this weekend is equally clear. The 31-year-old Finn needs to beat his Marc VDS teammate this weekend if he is to get his championship challenge back on track.

Mika Kallio:
“The goal this weekend, and in Sachsenring, is to keep Tito behind me, as this means we will go into the summer break a little closer on points at the top of the championship. It’s not going to be easy because Tito is on form, but also we have some issues with rear grip on the hard option tyres. On these tyres in Mugello and Barcelona we couldn’t find the rear grip we needed during the race weekend. For this reason I hope that, here at Assen, Dunlop will bring the softer compound rears we had in Jerez and Le Mans, as we know we are more competitive on these tyres. Ten years ago, before it was modified, Assen was the best racetrack in the world. It’s not quite the same anymore, but there are parts of the old track still left and it still ranks as one of my favourites, and one where my results have been not so bad in the past.”

Michael Bartholemy: Team Principal
“Both Tito and Mika have shown already that, no matter where we go, they will both be on the pace and at least one will be in a position to win on Sunday. I’m confident the same will be true here in Assen, although the win will need to come one day earlier as the Dutch TT is traditionally held on Saturday.” 

Photo: Gold and Goose Photography

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