Mika Kallio joins Scott Redding’s Moto2 squad

Rising British star Scott Redding will be joined by experienced Finnish rider Mika Kallio in the 2011 Moto2 world championship.

Kallio signed a deal with the Belgian-based Marc VDS Racing squad during last weekend’s Valencia MotoGP race and was due to make his Suter MMX debut at the Spanish circuit today (Monday).

The former Pramac Ducati MotoGP rider said: “I had quite a few options in Moto2 for next year, but with Marc VDS I know I’ve found the right team for me.

“Their results in the second half of the season show clearly that they are one of the top teams on the grid and with them I know I can make good results next year.

“I’m sure there are some people who think this is a step backwards for me career wise, but I disagree. I think it is a great opportunity for me and I know that with this team I can be back at the front once again.

“The fact that the Marc VDS Racing Team are committed to stepping up to the MotoGP class in the future is also a very positive thing for me, as I have still feel I have unfinished business there.”

Redding finished yesterday’s final race in Valencia in fifth position to move himself into eighth place in the final rankings.

He finished just seven-points from an overall top six having scored five top five finishes in the final eight races including podiums in Indianapolis and Phillip Island.

The 17-year-old was also due on track for testing today.