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Pramac retains Mika Kallio for 2010

admin — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:10:54 +0000

The steady progress and solid performances of MotoGP rookie Mika Kallio have earned him another season in the premier class with his current employers Pramac Racing, who have confirmed that he will ride for them again in 2010.

Returning to the team this weekend at the bwin.com Grande Premio de Portugal, after standing in for three rounds in the factory Ducati team as a replacement for Casey Stoner, Kallio now goes into the final four races of the 2009 World Championship totally focused on the job at hand.

Mika Kallio

“Now that we have agreed for next season we can exclusively concentrate on our work on track. I am very happy to be able to continue with the Pramac Racing Team, with Paolo Campinoti and with Ducati. This season is going in a positive direction. We have had some highs and lows, but considering that it is my rookie season, that’s normal. We trust in our ability improve next year.”

Paolo Campinoti, Pramac Racing’s Team Principal

“We are very happy to agree this deal with Mika and to continue to work together next season. This year, in his MotoGP debut campaign, he has produced positive performances and we believe we can improve next year. We believe in his riding abilities and we are proud to be able to continue this project together.”

Michel Fabrizio to ride for Pramac Racing in Brno

admin — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:08:27 +0000

As Mika Kallio moves into the Ducati Marlboro factory team to temporarily replace Casey Stoner for three races, Italian WSBK Ducati Xerox rider Michel Fabrizio will ride for Pramac Racing in the Czech Republic.

Ducati satellite outfit Pramac Racing welcome Italian rider Michel Fabrizio into their ranks for this weekend’s Cardion AB Czech Republic Grand Prix as a substitute for Finland’s Mika Kallio.

Due to Casey Stoner’s ongoing health problems the Australian rider will sit out the next three rounds, so Kallio has moved up into the factory team on a temporary basis, allowing 24 year-old Fabrizio to make a return to MotoGP.

Fabrizio, who currently rides for Ducati in superbikes, spent a year in the 125cc class with Gilera in 2002, rode for Aprilia in MotoGP in 2004 and made his last World Championship appearance in Germany on a Honda in 2007.

“I want to thank Ducati and Pramac for this gift. Brno is my favorite track and therefore the right place to come back riding a MotoGP 800cc bike after the last time at Sachsenring two years ago. I know that I can’t expect too much because the GP9 is so different compared to my 1198 F09. The priority is to have some fun and enjoy a different weekend for me. I also want to wish all the best to Casey to be back in top form as soon as possible!”

Paolo Campinoti

“As soon as we found out that Casey wouldn’t ride for the next three races at Brno, Indianapolis and Misano, together with Ducati Corse managerial staff we decided that our rider Mika Kallio would ride with the Ducati factory team due to the good results he has achieved with us. So we were looking for a valid substitute for Kallio and Ducati’s proposal to take Michel Fabrizio was the optimal choice. Although he is still young Michel has great experience and we believe he can get good results.”

Mika Kallio to replace Casey Stoner

admin — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:03:03 +0000

Kallio joins Hayden as temporary replacement for injured Stoner

Mika Kallio will join Nicky Hayden in the Ducati Marlboro Team for the next three races, thanks to the great spirit of collaboration between Ducati and the satellite team owned by Paolo Campinoti. Kallio is in his debut season in MotoGP and has already proved to be very competitive on the GP9. For the Brno race, his place in the Pramac Team will be taken by Michel Fabrizio.

“When I took the call I could hardly believe it, but then I talked to my manager and I realised it was true. I am proud to be racing the next three events with the Ducati Marlboro Team. Obviously I’m not expecting to suddenly be a second quicker, because our bikes are very similar to the official machines, but I hope to be able to pick up some good results for the team. I would particularly like to thank Paolo Campinoti, who has allowed me to enjoy this incredible opportunity. It will be a real honour for me. Nonetheless I would like to send my best wishes to Casey, and I hope to see him back out on track as soon as possible.”