Kallio to miss US Grand Prix
Added on Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Kallio crashed after pressure from Toseland
Mika Kallio will sit out this weekend’s USA Grand Prix in Laguna Seca following his last-gasp crash in Assen.
The Finnish rider suffered a broken finger during the high speed crash on the final lap of Saturday’s Dutch TT and has been forced to miss this weekend’s round in California. The injury also meant that Kallio lost a finger nail with the wound becoming infected shortly after.
The Pramac Ducati rider crashed whilst leading a group of six riders all vying for sixth place, before pressure from British rider James Toseland forced him into the costly error.
The rider will miss the round eight meeting and could also miss the German Grand Prix two weeks later, meaning that his return to action will be at the British Grand Prix at Donington on July 24-26.
Pramac will not be drafting in a wildcard replacement, meaning that Niccolo Canepa will be the team’s sole entrant.
“I was so excited to race in Laguna Seca, but I guess destiny wanted to be this way and I will have to renounce,” said Kallio. “It’s a pity. We have taken this decision together with Pramac Racing Managers and I think this is probably the best solution.
“Laguna would have been a new circuit to learn for me and with precarious physical conditions we thought it would have been too risky.
“I will look after myself in the best way possible to be in good form at the Sachsenring, which is by the way one of my favourite circuits of the world championship. I wish all the best to Niccolò who will have to do well for the Pramac Team this weekend.”
