From 125cc Grand Prix racer to World Championship-winning crew chief, Mike Leitner has a career in the MotoGP paddock that has lasted over four decades. After retiring at the end of 2014, he was tempted back to the premier class by KTM’s ambitious RC16 project to become Vice President Onroad for the Motorsport department.
The Motorcycle Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring was the perfect stage for KTM to officially present its MotoGP project. Starting in 2017, riders Pol Espargaró and Bradley Smith will represent KTM on the track in the premier class of motorcycle racing.
It is a long and difficult journey from a family garage in the small Finnish village of Valkeakoski to becoming MotoGP test rider for KTM Motorsports, even if you have made the successful transition through the various categories of MotoGP. For Mika Kallio, it has been both far-reaching and very demanding.
5.4 million inhabitants. 20 different motorcycle world champions in eight different disciplines, over 200 world championship solo medals. The world´s most successful country in motorcycle sport compared to the number of inhabitants. What is their secret? We travelled to Finland to find out more about this country of silent success.
Mika Kallio, recently turned 33 years of age, is one of KTM’s most decorated Grand Prix riders. The Fin has posted twelve wins and another 32 podium finishes and classified as a world championship runner-up twice in five years wearing ‘orange’.
In 2005 – ten years ago – Finnish KTM factory rider Mika Kallio became Vice World Champion in the smallest Grand Prix class; on top of this, KTM dominated the constructors’ championship.
