Kallio to battle physical condition in Mugello

The Pramac Racing team head to Mugello for their ‘home’ GP this weekend, the Gran Premio d’Italia TIM, with high hopes for both riders as they look to build on what was a promising last round.

The situation for Mika Kallio is complicated by a shoulder injury however, which interfered with his ability to challenge for higher than 13th at Le Mans. The Finn has undergone an intense regime to try and alleviate the pain his injury is causing him, and hopes to be able to push hard in Sunday’s race.

"I will ride in my 20th MotoGP Grand Prix, but it’s a shame I’ll be reaching this goal with my shoulder in this condition,” said Kallio, whose best result at Mugello to date has been fourth in the 250cc race in 2008. “I have had medical treatment to lessen the pain, but I cannot lift or bend my arm very well. I hope that on Sunday I'll feel less pain so I can ride in the best possible manner.”

He added: “This is considered by my team as their home circuit and I will give my best to get a good result.”

Espargaró is preparing to take to a circuit he has experienced on four previous occasions, twice in the 250cc class and twice in the 125s, but never on a MotoGP machine. The Spaniard has been energised by his result of ninth at Le Mans, and is eager to push on in Italy.

"I can't wait to try my bike on this track. The Le Mans race increased my confidence in my ability. I struggled a bit but I did better than some World Champion riders. The team has always been very attentive to my instructions and has immediately found solutions to my problems and offered me a perfect bike, which is easy to ride,” he stated.

“At Mugello I have run in the past only four times with ninth place my best result in 2008 while I was riding a 250 bike. I hope I am instantly confident on the track so I can try to progressively improve my lap times.”

The Pramac Racing team has a strong record at Mugello, having placed on the podium three times at the circuit, the last time being 2007 with Alex Barros.