Mika Kallio showing good signs on first stint with factory bike

Filling in for the unavailable Casey Stoner, Mika Kallio quickly showed that both Ducati fans and management alike that he was up to the task, posting a seventh quickest overall in Free Practice 1 of the Czech Republic Grand Prix—over half a second ahead of the still-struggling and temporary teammate, Nicky Hayden.

Mika Kallio

“Actually everything went quite well. We finished in the top ten and that was really good for me, because throughout this year we have always had little problems on Fridays, but this time things went smoothly and I was seventh. It was important because I was nervous before I went out.”

“There does not seem to be any big difference and that is why it was quite easy for me to jump into Casey’s seat. Maybe there are some small things but nothing big and it was okay. I like the team and I knew them before so there was no problem there. Now I have three races to see what we can do and I need to show my talent for sure.”

“We had some small problems, mainly with left hand side grip so we need to find some solutions for this. Of course I was scared for the first few laps but I liked it and now I just need to concentrate.”

Meanwhile, another rider enjoying his first Ducati Desmosedici experience is WSBK Ducati Zerox rider, Michel Fabrizio, posting a fastest lap time of 2:00.423—less than half a second down on the next-best lap of Gabor Talmasci.

Click here for the complete results of the Czech Grand Prix Free Practice 1.

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