Hiroshi Aoyama and Mika Kallio came home in brilliant KTM "Ready to Race" style to snatch a double victory in a thrilling 250 cc race on Germany's Sachsenring on Sunday.
The reult was the team's best ever in a single Grand Prix race.
The two "Orange" factory riders thrilled the more than 100,000 fans with a long and hectic battle on the circuit as the rider order fluctuated over and over again during the race. Kallio, in every sense the "Flying Finn", started on pole, the first time he had been number one on the grid since moving up from 125 cc at the beginning of the season.
At the conclusion of the race, the two KTM machines were locked in combat with Italian Alex de Angeles in a battle of attrition that was only resolved in the final lap. Aoyama celebrated his victory, the first in almost a year, by punching the air with his fist as he rocketed through the chequered flag. It was the third career victory for the Japanese and the first ever 250 cc podium for pole sitter Kallio, who had won seven races previously for KTM in the 125 cc class. Both riders had been on the top of the speed list in Saturday's training and several modifications to their KTM machines and good chassis setups made them highly competitive.
Aoyama started from sixth place on the grid but was confident going into the race because it was clear that the KTMs were ready for top action. He fended off some hair-raising attacks from Hector Barbera and in the final stages took on de Angelis. "When I crossed the line, it was as if a big weight had been lifted from my shoulders," Aoyama admitted.
Kallio was equally effusive. "It's great to be on the podium for the first time since I moved up to the 250 cc class." Like Hiroshi, Kallio was forced to go wide to avoid Barbera going late on the brakes in the first corner, a move that cost them both places in the running order. Kallio worked his way up into the lead group and settled in behind de Angeles to make his move in the final corner. "He didn't close the door. I saw the gap, went for it and managed to squeeze past. With one more lap maybe I could have gone for the victory!"
Stefan Pierer, KTM CEO was also elated with the result. "This is a historic success for KTM, as we've never been first and second in a Grand Prix race before," he said. "Last year in Japan, at Motegi, we had two victories, in the 125 cc and in the 250 cc class which was also great, but our one-two success today is especially sweet. To score this success on the Sachsenring is the icing on the cake because the German Grand Prix is like our home race since we don't have an Austrian Grand Prix any more!"
Red Bull KTM Technical Director Harald Bartol confirmed that he had been impressed with the fighting spirit of his two factory riders. "It's also a relief that our bikes were so competitive. We have definitely made another step and I am confident for the races to come," Bartol said.
Results (250cc)- Hiroshi Aoyama, Japan, KTM, 41'16.191
- Mika Kallio, Finland, KTM, 41'16.310
- Alex de Angeles, San Marino, Aprilia, 41'16.465
- Jorge Lorenzo, Spain, Aprilia, 41'16.770
- Andrea Dovizioso, Italy, Honda, 41'17,487
Images - Kirn F.
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