Kallio Injures Finger, In Doubt for Laguna Seca

Mika Kallio fights for position during the Dutch GP

Finland's Mika Kallio is on the verge of missing the upcoming MotoGP race at Laguna Seca, due to his late crash in the Dutch GP last Saturday. The Pramac Ducati rider was running into an impressive 6th place with only 3 corners to go, when losing control of his bike and remaining sidelined for the remainder of the race.

So, instead of scoring his potentially best finish in MotoGP so far, Kallio got himself a severe finger injury. When sliding to the runoff, his hand was trapped under the bike and, despite the protective glove, he couldn't avoid the injury.

Although it appeared to be a slight injury, a complete medical examination due to take place during the course of today will establish whether he'll be good to go for the North American race next weekend.

“So painful, an incredible pain in the same finger I have already injured during my first MotoGP test in Valencia, maybe better to cut it off!,” said Kallio after the race.

“Jokes apart it's a pity given how the race was going. My mistake and I am really sorry for the Pramac racing team that has given me a really competitive bike today. Now I will have to check the situation of my hand back in Finland, but I'll do what's possible to race in Laguna Seca.”

Team's technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini praised the efforts of Kallio during the Saturday race, as he insisted the teams is proud of the Finn's performance at such a demanding track as Assen.

“We are proud of our rider. Mika has done an extraordinary race even if qualifying and the start of the race weren't the best. He has done a brilliant race until three turns from the end. We are sad about that mistake, but these things can happen in the racing world,” said Sterlacchini.