The third round of the World Championship calendar was guest at the 5.340 km long and technical demanding Turkish race track, close to Istanbul’s down town; an amazing city with a population of more then ten million people.
Red Bull KTM riders Mika Kallio and Julian Simon both made up positions right from the start and were with the leading pack of the race. Whilst Mika Kallio was forcing his way to the front of the field, Julian Simon had a crash in round four, being in sixth place and joined the race again at position 17th . Julian was fighting his way back and finished the race 11th after 19 rounds. Mika Kallio’s KTM all over sudden stopped his ride for the rostrum. The team is looking for the technical failure, which was probably an electrical problem.
The Red Bull KTM Juniors Stefan Bradl and Michael Ranseder had a tough race by finally finishing 19th and 26th place.
Mika Kallio # 36 Red Bull KTM GP 125 – DNF”Actually today’s race was going really well up to lap 14. I was surprised that the bike was running so well after we had different small problems with suspension for example, during Fridays and also Saturdays practice. Also we found a very good Dunlop tire for the race, which was a bit harder than the once we tried before. Yes and than, what should I say, when I came of the brakes and on to the throttle there was nothing there, the bike was not responding.”
Julian Simon # 60 Red Bull KTM GP 125 – 11th Place“My start was not bad and I could stay with the front group up to fourth lap when I crashed. But I did stay on the throttle and could go back to the race quickly. Than I was riding hard and fighting a lot. In last lap we were many riders going into the down hill corner and I came of the track a bit. This made me finishing only 11th instead of eighth. But my bike was running well and I had a good time fighting.”
Stefan Bradl # 17 Red Bull KTM Junior Team – 19th Place” That was my ever best race from the point of fighting. It was very good fun and I was successful. So I’m happy with my todays race. My times from practice improved for two seconds. In the beginning it was hard for me finding my rhythm, that’s something I will work at next race. I feel that I’m going back home with a full bunch of experience.”
Michael Ranseder # 9 Red Bull KTM Junior Team – 26th Place"With my start I could make up already a couple of positions and than I managed to get quick and constant times right from the beginning. In lap seven I tried to stay with Hernandez and came on to the curbs which made me sliding of the track a bit. That mistake cost me important time and also I lost my rhythm. With the overall weekend I’m pleased as I feel the tendency of my racing is going up.”
Harald Bartol — Technical and Managing Director"Of course we are very disappointed with the technical failure of Mika’s bike. Still we don’t know exactly what the problem was. Probably some electrical failure.”
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