4. Mika Kallio (Moto2)
Mika Kallio’s CV boasts victories across many different classes but Sunday represented something of a breakthrough for the Finn. Never in 125cc, 250cc or Moto2 racing did Mika win back-to-back races but by taking the chequered flag first at Le Mans, Kallio not only broke that particular duck but also confirmed his status as a legitimate contender for the Moto2 crown.
The Marc VDS rider didn’t hit the qualifying heights of Jerez, putting his Kalex fourth on the grid, but he quickly settled into second behind early leader Simone Corsi, although that was partly down to a physical move from the Italian which forced him to relinquish the lead. The longer the race went on, the clearer it became that Mika was simply biding his time in second place and with eight laps to, Mika made his move at Dunlop and the pass was so clean and decisive that Corsi had nothing by way of reply.
Kallio has been a reliable performer ever since joining Marc VDS but his role was often that of a supporting one, backing up Scott Redding as he chased victories and the title. 2014 is already shaping us as something very different and instead of being Esteve Rabat’s trusty rear gunner, Kallio could be the Spaniard’s biggest threat.
(Photo Credit: MotoGP.com)
