Kallio satisfied with top ten start

The 250cc graduate has impressed greatly in recent weeks - taking sixth place in the qualifying simulation test at Jerez, then going seventh-quickest in Friday practice at Losail.

Kallio said he was quite happy to have broken into the top ten already and did not mind failing to match his practice performance.

"Friday was a bit better with seventh position, but if I would have known before coming here that I would have been in the top ten in my first qualifying session I would have put my signature for it," he said.

The team's technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini confessed to slight disappointment at the result, but hopes Kallio can stay with the lead pack in the race.

"I'm satisfied even if in this world everyone always wants more," said Sterlacchini.

"With only a few tenth of a second we could have been one row in front. Anyway everything is going well and to have conquered the top ten in his first qualifying session as a MotoGP rider is not so bad. It will be interesting to see how we will do in the race, we will have to start well to remain with the fastest riders."

Kallio believes his bike is not yet a match for the frontrunners.

"Of course it is only the beginning and we have to work to improve," he said. "At the moment there aren't any big problems. When I was riding with other riders I noticed that I didn't have the same grip coming out of the corners. We will have to improve this and things will be easier for us."