Mika Kallio motivated by Italtrans move

Moto2 world championship runner-up Mika Kallio believes he can replicate this year’s title challenge in 2015, despite departing the all-conquering Marc VDS Racing squad.

The Finnish rider finished runner-up to teammate Tito Rabat in this year’s Moto2 battle but he lost his Kalex rider at Marc VDS to newly crowned Moto3 world champion Alex Marquez.

Kallio, who won three races and scored seven other podiums in 2014, has moved to the Italtrans squad for 2015.

And having been able to remain on the dominant Kalex chassis package, the 32-year-old is confident he can dice for the title again next year.

Kallio told MCN: “For me the main target was that if I stay in Moto2 I would like to stay in the team that is using Kalex. This fits for my riding and changing team it will be easier when the bike is the same. I saw that Italtrans would be the best option and for me it was really important that they really wanted me to ride for them. That’s good for a rider feeling and I think at Italtrans it is similar to Marc VDS. I am sure I can be strong again next year and the goal will be to fight at the front like I did in almost every race this year.”