Mika Kallio is confident he has arrived at a solid set-up on his Marc VDS Kalex Moto2 machine ahead of next month's season opening round of the championship in Qatar.
Kallio posted the fourth fastest time overall during the three-day Jerez test in Spain and his best lap of 1m 42.301s was just 0.318s adrift of the top time set by fellow Kalex rider Claudio Corti.
The Finn completed a full race simulation on the third and final day on Wednesday, when he managed his quickest time on the fourth lap.
“It's been a good three days of testing here in Jerez. The plan was to get a little bit closer to the front and we achieved that today with fourth position and less than half a second off the fastest time, so I'm satisfied with that,” he said.
“During the race simulation the bike felt good for all 23 laps and my times were both fast and consistent, which means we go to Qatar in a good position.
"Conditions will be very different in Qatar, but the work we've done during testing means we're pretty sure even now how we need to set-up the bike for the first race.
“Remaining calm is the key to the first race; we know we have the pace to challenge the front runners, so we just need to continue with the approach that's worked so well for us during testing.”
Michael Bartholemy, team manager, added: “Mika's methodical approach to testing certainly paid off today, with his fastest lap of the test coming during his race simulation this afternoon.
"He will be quick in Qatar, a track that he has done well at in the past, and I'm confident he'll get his second season in Moto2 off to a strong start.”
Kallio's team-mate, Scott Redding, struggled with illness and machine issues but the young British rider ended the test just 0.3s slower than Kallio's best lap.
“Scott struggled a little with illness and an engine problem during these three days at Jerez, but he proved during the previous tests this year that he has the pace to run at the front, so he will head to Qatar with his confidence intact,” added Bartholemy.
“After such a long break I think we're all looking forward to the first race, where I hope we'll make a strong start to the season.”
The opening round of the Moto2 World Championship will be held at Qatar over the weekend of April 7-8.
source: crash.net
