Mika Kallio forced to miss Laguna Seca

Mika Kallio will miss the latest round of the MotoGP World Championship at Laguna Seca following the finger injury he sustained in his final lap accident at Assen.

Kallio was heading for a career-best result of sixth on the Pramac Ducati during the Dutch TT when he crashed out just a few corners from the finish line, the Finn burning his finger down to the bone, as well as losing a nail.

Although he didn't suffer any nerve damage, with MotoGP events back-to-back, the decision was taken for Kallio to sit out Laguna Seca in order to allow him a full recovery for the upcoming European rounds.

In the meantime, the team have decided not to replace the former 250GP race winner, meaning Niccolo Canepa will compete on a sole Pramac Ducati Desmosedici GP9 in the United States.

"Mika's condition are surely better than what we thought straight after the race, but notwithstanding this we preferred to give him a weekend off to recover," said technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini. "This would have been for him the first time in Laguna Seca and with his precarious physical conditions we preferred to don't take any more risk and make him be at the best in three weeks time for Sachsenring.

"Mika will not go under surgery in these weeks before the German GP, but will continue to follow medications and cleaning of the injured finger to avoid infection and further complications. For this motive the Pramac Racing Team will race in Laguna Seca only with one rider, Italian Niccol? Canepa who will make his debut on the Californian circuit."

Kallio will need to use an imitation skin protection for the injured finger when he does return to action.

"I was so excited to race in Laguna Seca, but I guess destiny wanted to be this way and I will have to renounce. It's a pity. We have taken this decision together with Pramac Racing Managers and I think this is probably the best solution. Laguna would have been a new circuit to learn for me and with precarious physical conditions we thought it would have been too risky.

"I will look after my self in the best way possible to be in good form at the Sachsenring, which is by the way one of my favorites circuits of the world championship. I wish all the best to Niccol? who will have to do well for the Pramac Team this weekend."