Pramac: Kallio's crash a big setback

The satellite Ducati squad had arrived at Motegi full of confidence after rookie Kallio's strong run to eighth in Qatar, but the Finn suffered a high-side during today's session and was only 17th quickest.

"It's a pity about Mika's fall," said the team's technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini. "We trusted we would be able to do well and this has complicated the work we have planned.

"It was a strange fall: Mika was on the first fast lap with some new tyres and probably the left side of the tyre, which is not used so much on this circuit, was still cold. Luckily it seems he isn't hurt."

Kallio agreed that the accident was a big blow, and remained baffled as to what caused it.

"I don't know what happened when I fell," he said. "I lost the control of the rear without even accelerating.

"This has complicated our work today and we will have almost to start from zero tomorrow morning.

"I hit my left ankle really hard, but for the moment it seems like nothing too serious."