The KTM test rider could see his future in MotoGP darkened due to a major knee injury he suffered during testing for the Sachsenring Grand Prix.
Mika Kallio fell quite spectacularly during FP2 of the German Grand Prix while making a wild card for KTM of which he is the test rider. Losing control of his machine, he ended up in the airfences, immediately followed by his motorcycle which crashed right after him. If the consequences could have been dramatic, it ultimately only hit the Finn's legs. Unfortunately, the violence of the impact seriously damaged his knee. He ended up with a tear of the majority of the ligaments.
Kallio sought the advice of several doctors and they recommended an operation with a recovery of at least six months, which is unacceptable for the pilot. He who absolutely wanted to race at the KTM National Grand Prix in Austria will have to resign himself to it, just like the wild card he had to do in Aragon on September 23.
However, as reported speedweek, Kallio affirms: he would like to reduce his rehabilitation to three months and thus race in the last Grand Prix in Valencia. For now, he will have surgery on Tuesday in Finland. At 35 years old, this type of injury, very serious, could mark the end of his career, even if he does not envisage it given his performances. Indeed, he achieved a top 10 in Austria last year as well as an eleventh place in Aragon, just like a new top 10 in Jerez this year.
KTM nevertheless sees its 2019 development compromised and will have to find a replacement as quickly as possible. The name of Bradley Smith could be mentioned, as could that of Jonas Folger. And if the pilot plays his role well, he could perhaps permanently replace Mika Kallio.
