KTM test rider Mika Kallio will miss the rest of the German MotoGP weekend after damaging ligaments in his right knee in a big crash during FP2 at the Sachsenring.
Kallio was making the third of his scheduled five 2018 wildcard appearances this weekend at the Sachsenring with KTM, having competed in the Spanish and Catalan Grands Prix earlier this season.
The Finn was forced to run into the gravel after losing the rear of his RC16 under braking for the uphill left of Turn 8, and crashed heavily into the barrier, with his bike hitting him in the process.
He was taken to the medical centre for checks before being transferred to hospital, where it was confirmed he had damaged ligaments in his right knee.
Kallio will miss the rest of the Sachsenring weekend as a result, and is also a doubt for the Austrian Grand Prix next month, as surgery is needed on his knee.
“I was tipping into the corner on the front brake and the rear lost contact,” he said.
“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.
“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 crash. It could have been much worse.
“I felt that something wasn't right with the knee but at the same time a bit relieved. Anyway 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.”
Kallio was 24th at the end of Friday's running, with KTM stablemates Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith 12th and 14th respectively. Ducati's Jorge Lorenzo was fastest.
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