Kallio, who impressed in his first MotoGP campaign last year, had a season to forget in 2010. The shoulder injury he sustained at Le Mans, earlier this season, started to affect his racing performances. Eventually, he decided to let go of MotoGP action for the final rounds of this season and start a recuperation period.
“It is since Japan's race that the pain in my left shoulder, injured in the Le Mans race, has become too intense. I immediately talked to the team, who understood my situation and agreed that I would try to race in Malaysia and Australia and then decide to continue or not in the last two races,” said Kallio, who will likely join the Moto2 series next year.
“Unfortunately, despite the good race today, the pain didn't allowed me to perform in the best way. Together with the team, we decided to conclude our partnership today. It has been a hard choice for me, but in this way I'll be able to find the best physical condition and think about my future.”
Neither Checa nor the representatives of Pramac Ducati confirmed that the 38-year old will replace Kallio. Until that announcement, team boss Paolo Campinoti thanked Kallio for his contribution with the outfit and wished him good luck for the future.
“I would never like to find myself in these situations, but when a rider asks you to not run because he cannot give 100 per cent for the team, you don't think to do more than accept his gesture of sincerity,” said Campinoti.
“In this two years, Mika has always demonstrated great honesty, giving always the best he can for our team and colours. Is also for this reason that we'll always consider him one member of our family,” he added.
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