Six MotoGP riders completed the first day of the two-day test at new KymiRing circuit, the home of Finnish GP.
With all eyes on its first MotoGP event in 2020, the new KymiRing circuit hosted an official track run on Monday, where all the premier class manufacturers’ were present, with a good number of fans spectating.
Fittingly, KTM’s Mika Kallio – the home rider – got the first chance to ride the 2019 machine at a wet KymiRing circuit with Aprilia’s Bradley Smith next out, followed by Ducati’s Michele Pirro and Honda’s Stefan Bradl.
Suzuki’s Sylvain Guintoli and Yamaha’s Jonas Folger were the last two riders to run. Unfortunately, none of the riders got much running due to the weather conditions, with Bradl even having a crash at the final corner.
The German also became the first rider to have a crash at KymiRing. The 2020 Tech 3 KTM rider Brad Binder was also present as a spectator along with his Moto2 Finnish team Red Bull KTM Ajo’s boss.
Earlier, a press conference was held which was attended by FIM President Jorge Viegas, Timo Pohjola (KymiRing Circuit Director), Tapio Nevala (Finnish Motorcycle Federation, President), Aki Ajo and Carlos Ezpeleta.
Viegas said: “Finland is one of the countries with the most tradition in motorsport. I have been in this position, I have been managing circuits in my country 20 years ago, so I know what it’s like to have the pressure of Dorna and the FIM all coming. I thank you all for the privilege of being here for the first time.”
Meanwhile, Pohjola said: “We will continue the work that we have done. A lot of work is to be done. We have one year to do everything but the most important thing for safety reasons is to have the test here as after that we know exactly where we will have the curbs and so on.
“So, this is very important but also for the teams. Overall, I’m very happy. It has been a long journey.” Talking about the circuit and a particular date for the Finnish GP in 2020, Dorna Sports Sporting Director, Ezpeleta added:
“We’re working with the FIM to publish the calendar, it’s always up to the FIM to release it first. I think in the following weeks we’ll have a date but right now it’s too early to say.
“It’ll be in the summer for sure as there’s no other option. It’s too early to say exactly though. I visited for the first time with Franco Uncini maybe three years ago now and honestly, it’s a great place.
“I have to congratulate Timo and the Finnish Federation for the work they have done because it’s truly impressive that we have bikes on track today. The past few months have been hard work, but I must congratulate them because the job they have done is of a high standard.
“We’re very happy to have Finland back on the Grand Prix calendar because it’s one of the countries with the most tradition in motorsport. The standards for a MotoGP track now are very high, both on and off track, with run-off areas and paddock and so on and the plan is to accommodate all of them.”
