Kallio will need surgery for knee injury

Red Bull KTM test rider Mika Kallio has been ruled out of the remainder of the German MotoGP weekend after damaging ligaments in his right knee during a scary accident in Friday afternoon practice.

The Finn lost control at Turn 8 of the Sachsenring circuit, running wide onto the gravel trap at high-speed.

Kallio tried to lose as much speed as possible, but was eventually thrown from his RC16 and bounced into the airfence, followed by his bike.

Massive accident for Mika Kallio, who is left dazed but conscious and moving. Taken away on a stretcher.

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Kallio was taken away on a stretcher and scans later revealed significant damage to the knee ligaments, which will require corrective surgery.

“I was tipping into the corner on the front brake and the rear lost contact. I had to pick up the bike and I knew I was into the gravel. I saw I had quite a lot of speed and unfortunately I could not turn enough and the barriers came closer and closer,” Kallio said.

“Everything happened in one or two seconds and I had to make a decision really quick. I tried to put it down and avoid the big impact but I flew into the wall. 

“Somehow the bike hit me because we went into the fence together and maybe it caused the problem with the knee. 

“Anyway, considering the speed, I think we had a lot of luck with that . It could have been much worse. I felt that something wasn’t right with the knee but at the same time a bit relieved. 

“This is definitely not the way we wanted the weekend to go. I’ve had broken ligaments before but not quite as bad as it feels right now. To move it means a lot of pain. 

“I initially hoped it might just be a big impact but when they made the MRI the doctor said I need surgery. We need to make a plan now and hopefully come back when everything is fine. 

“Racing in Austria this season would have been a highlight for me and it is four weeks away. 

“I cannot say what will happen but I hope there is some way I can be on the grid.”

Full-time KTM MotoGP riders Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith were twelfth and 14th in Friday practice.