Source: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing regular test rider Mika Kallio made yet another wildcard appearance in the 2017 MotoGP World Championship last weekend at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, recording a highly-impressive 10th place result.

The score marks KTM’s second top 10 finish in as many weeks, signifying great improvements from the Austrian manufacturer just halfway through its first attempt at the prestigious series.

Kallio was evidently pleased with his result – the best of his career in MotoGP – explaining he exceeded his expectations, however felt confidant in securing a points paying position.

“That was a super, super race, something that was the absolute maximum that we could do from our side,” said Kallio. “I thought before the race I have a realistic chance to get some points. I managed to make a great start and got some places early on in the first corners.

“I could stay with guys around me giving me more boost to push and push even though this track looks on paper not so difficult it is very hard physically, particularly on the brakes and that makes a difference as I haven’t raced so much recently so if I’m racing more often I could be even closer.

“Today was however one of the best races I’ve done in MotoGP as when you look at the gap, this was the closest I’ve ever been to the winner in MotoGP at just 19.7s back, so after 28 laps this is a huge step forward for the KTM MotoGP project and I’m very proud to be part of it.”

The home round for KTM didn’t go as planned for the entire team, with Pol Espargaro forced to retire after an early incident caused damage to his brake system, while Bradley Smith failed to position himself within the points, concluding the weekend in 18th.