Mika Kallio was desperate for a new opportunity to push Bradley Smith a little further into a KTM factory which has not exactly decided on the constitution of its official duo in 2018. Pol Espargaró seems assured of his fate while the Austrian brand would continue to honor its commitments to the Englishman, if the latter found himself a test driver. This in place of the Finn who would take his permanent position. The latter will have the opportunity to convince Austrian decision-makers of the merits of this plan during the final in Valencia. A Grand Prix which will therefore be his fourth of the season.
Only three Grands Prix contested and yet, Mika Kallio is only three points behind in the championship on Bradley Smith who makes the whole campaign. Needless to say, the Briton will have to excel during the three overseas events to avoid being passed over during the last meeting in the general classification by the freelancer. Which would be the supreme humiliation.
Rock was not the last test in Aragon for KTM which counted on its two holders while evaluating Reiterberger. An absence which therefore contained no bad implication for a Rock who insists heavily on doing a full season in 2018. At 34 years old. But his results on the RC16 speak for themselves.
By the way, we will have 25 motorcycles on the starting grid in Valencia since Pirro will be fielded by Ducati. It will be recalled that Dorna hopes for a permanent grid of 24 drivers.
