After a very promising start in the 250 cc GP of San Marino by both Red Bull KTM factory riders Mika Kallio and Hiroshi Aoyama disaster struck in the fourth lap when the two touched, crashed and their race was over.
Kallio, who had been ninth after the opening lap, gained ground rapidly and was running right behind his team-mate in sixth position, when both of them touched in a fast right-hand corner and crashed. Kallio had gone back to his old chassis for the race and was in the running for another podium. The crash was a setback for the Finn's World Championship campaign. He remains at second on the standings but now trails leader Marco Simoncelli of Italy by 26 points. There are however still five races in hand making a possible 125 points available.
The race incident left Repsol KTM 250 rider Julian Simon as the only remaining KTM rider in the field who rode to a brave fifth place, equalizing his best position achieved at the German Grand Prix in July.
Julian Simon (Repsol KTM 250 - 5th)
"We achieved a good position but during the race I was aiming even higher and thought of a podium finish. We have to ride on a very precise and clean line in order to match the pace of the fastest Aprilia bikes and this wasn't always possible in the heat of the fight. KTM and my team did a fantastic job all weekend. The only thing missing was just a little extra speed. I know I'm not the best rider in terms of aerodynamics but we also need a bit more engine power. I know that KTM is working on this and I look forward to the next races!"
Mika Kallio (Red Bull KTM 250 - did not finish)
"We used the old frame today and the bike felt good after some late adjustments for the race. I made a mistake at the start but I started to catch the other guys and I knew we had the chance to follow and stay with the race leaders. Then Hiro and I touched and crashed. I had already opened the throttle when Hiro cut the gas in front of me. We were about six or seven metres apart and it all happened so quickly it wasn't possible to avoid it. I touched his rear tyre, then Hiro crashed, then I hit his bike and crashed as well. Now we've dropped back further in the championship, but we won't give up!"
Hiroshi Aoyama (Red Bull KTM 250 - did not finish)
"Mika touched me and we both crashed. I didn't get hurt, so I'm okay, but it is not okay for the team. I am sorry for the team and for the sponsors!"
Harald Bartol (Technical Director)
"Our data shows that Hiroshi was about 5 kph slower in that particular corner than Mika in all practice sessions. When Mika went into that bend in his usual way, he simply misjudged Hiroshi's speed and was caught by surprise. It's very unfortunate for us that this crash happened, but there is nobody to blame - things like that can happen in racing!"
Results
1. Alvaro Bautista, Spain, Aprilia, 43:15.831
2. Yuki Takahashi, Japan, 43:17.919
3. Hector Barbera, Spain, Aprilia, 43:19.583
4. Roberto Locatelli, Italy, 43:23.303
5. Julian Simon, Spain, KTM, 43:26.693
Mika Kallio, Finland, KTM DNF
Hiroshi Koyama, Japan, DNF
World Championship Standings
1. Marco Simoncelli, Italy, 190
2. Mika Kallio, Finland, KTM.164
3. Alvaro Bautista, Spain, 163
4. Hector Barbera. Spain, 142
5. Alex Debon, Spain, 139
Other KTM
8. Hiroshi Aoyama, Japan, KTM 101
10. Julian Simon, Spain, KTM, 83
- KTM Mattighofen -
