Kallio relishing Ducati opportunity

The Finn has moved across from the Pramac Ducati team - where he has impressed greatly in his rookie year - to deputise for Casey Stoner while the Australian recuperates from the illness that has marred his season.

Stoner is scheduled to return to Ducati for the Estoril race in October, and while Kallio expressed his sympathy for the former world champion, he admitted that this could be a massive break for him.

"I was not happy for Casey's condition, but it's good for me," said Kallio. "I hope that Casey will be better after these three races. This is a really important three races for me and my plan is to make the best results I can and then we'll see where we are.

"I just need to finish the races, until now the level has been somewhere around sixth position and now I hope with this team I can do something better."

He said things had moved extremely fast once Stoner's absence was confirmed.

"They called me Monday morning and said the situation is this, 'Casey is staying at home and not coming here,'" Kallio explained.

"They were thinking if I could take his seat and replace him and I said ok it is ok with me if my old team is okay.

"After that everything goes really fast, Monday everything was done. Now we come to Brno and I just need to concentrate like always, make my best and see what happens."