MotoGP: Kallio confirms KTM wildcard at Valencia

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KTM MotoGP test rider Mika Kallio has confirmed rumours that the series’ newest manufacturer will make a wildcard appearance at the final round of the 2016 season at Valencia, ahead of their debut next year in the championship.

With contracted riders Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaró lined up to ride the new RC16 machine next year, but both still in contract with Monster Tech 3 Yamaha, it remains to be seen who will line up on the grid.

But, with a stable of test riders to choose from, including Kallio, Randy de Puniet, Alex Hoffman, Thomas Luthi and Karel Abraham to choose from, KTM shouldn’t struggle to choose someone with GP experience.

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Kallio confirmed the news during this week’s private test at their home track the Red Bull Ring, where MotoGP will race for the first time next month. Joining other manufacturers on track for the first time, the orange machine has already impressed with its early pace.

“I think everyone can be really satisfied that we’re here with the others. In the end I think the lap times were on a good level, quite good. We tried to follow the others and see how the bike is behaving and where we are losing compared to them.

“Around two seconds behind the fastest guys, at the moment it’s quite good. We still have time to work before we come to the Valencia race.”

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Simon Patterson

By Simon Patterson

MotoGP and road racing reporter, photographer, videographer