KALLIO SECOND FASTEST IN GERMAN HEAT WAVE
29 July 2005 - KTM-Sportmotorcycles AG

Heat wave conditions hit the Sachsenring for today’s opening qualifying session for Sunday’s German grand Prix.

With track temperatures touching 40 degrees, and virtually no breeze, Red Bull KTM rider Mika Kallio qualified second fastest on the he provisional front row of the grid.

Kallio was joined in the very fast group at the front of the pack by KTM teammates Gabor Talmacsi (7th) and Julian Simon (13th).

The conditions were a stark contrast to the wet and cold weather in which Simon last Sunday’s British GP at Donington to score his first grand prix victory.

The top 15 riders in today’s first qualifying session were separated by just 0.87s with Talmacsi just one thenth of a second of he front row. Simon was only two tenths of a second off a front row position and the young Spaniard promises an improved performance in tomorrow’s final qualifying session.

The weather forecast is for much cooler conditions tomorrow as a huge field of 41 riders prepare for Sunday’s ninth round of the 125cc world championship.

Joining the KTM line-up this weekend are Red Bull ADAC Junior riders Michael Ranseder and Stefan Bradl who will race as wild cards this weekend.

Both rode consistently in qualifying with Ranseder 23rd fastest today, just ahead of Bradl in 25th.

MIKA KALLIO #36 - Second - 1’28.941

“The conditions were very hot, it was difficult to ride, and the track had less grip than in the morning session. I was able to go faster than in the afternoon but I have some front-end chatter, and also a small vibration at the rear, so we need to look at the data; I need to be able to open the throttle earlier on corner exit.”

GABOR TALMACSI #14 - Seventh - 1’29.338

“Everything is OK with the bike but it was a very difficult session for traffic. On my fast lap I came across a rider entering the pit lane who was going slow on the racing line -- I don’t understand why they do this. The bike has the speed to be up the front.”

JULIAN SIMON #60 - 1’29.496

“I’m happy because the times are very close and I know I can be faster tomorrow. I just need a more balanced set-up for this track, I’m feeling positive after my win in Donington .”

MICHAEL RANSEDER #76 - 23rd - 1.30.554

“I can do these times consistently but I need to find some faster laps to move up the grid. I’m not completely happy with my own performance, the bike feels OK, I just need to find a solution for final qualifying.”

STEFAN BRADL #77- 25th - 1’30.655

“My bike is OK I’m just missing something out on the track, I know I can go faster tomorrow. One problem today was the amount of traffic, it was difficult to get a clear lap.”

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