Kallio fastest at Jerez

From KTM Racing

Red Bull KTM factory riders Mika Kallio and Hiroshi Aoyama launched their bid for the 2008 250cc world title with solid results in the first pre-season tests at Jerez. The rivals and teammates came in fastest and second fastest on day three Sunday.

Both riders were positive about the outcome of the first session and Kallio, who put in the fastest lap of 1:43.303 noted: "It's good to be in front of the Aprilias. We didn't push too hard on the first and second day. We concentrated on going faster into the fast corners and we made some improvements on the suspension."

Kallio put in 55, 50 and 57 laps respectively over the three days and Aoyama was on his bike for 68, 57 and 79 laps. Aoyama, who came in second fastest on day three with a time of 1:43.517, said he was feeling positive.

"This was the first time back on the bike since my holiday in Japan so I had to get the feeling back on day one," he said. "It was already better on the second day and the third day was good. We worked on the handling and we put in some good lap times."

Also out on his Repsol KTM factory machine was Spanish rider Julian Simon who was on board a 125cc KTM factory bike in 2005 and 2006. Overall KTM will have a much bigger presence on the grids in the 2008 season supporting a number of teams in addition to the official factory team.

The factory team, together with more of the KTM supported teams will be back on the track next weekend at nearby Valencia.

Joining Simon were his two young teammates in 125cc, Esteve Rabat and Marc Marquez, who took advantage of the Jerez tests to get to know the bikes they will be riding in the 2008 season.

Day Three Results - 250 cc Test in Jerez
1. Mika Kallio, Finland, KTM 1:43.303
2. Hiroshi Aoyama, Japan, KTM 1:43.517
3. Hector Barbera, Spain, Aprilia, 1:43.575
4. Alex Debon, Spain, Aprilia, 1:43.644
5. Alvaro Bautista, Spain, Aprilia, 1:43.735