MotoGP | The baptism of the Kymi Ring, the opinion of the pilots

MotoGP – Under a heavy storm, the first day of testing took place on the Kymi Ring circuit which from next year, barring unforeseen circumstances, should enter the MotoGP calendar and host the Finnish Grand Prix.

The first day of testing, as anticipated, was marred by adverse weather conditions which did not allow the manufacturers' test drivers to push hard on the 4,6 km circuit. Taking to the track were: Michele Pirro for Ducati, Stefan Bradl for Honda, Sylvain Guintoli for Suzuki, Mika Kallio for KTM and Bradley Smith for Aprilia. Everyone said they were quite satisfied with the circuit although they hope to be able to test in dry track conditions. From the on board data released by Dorna, the route resembles that of Qatar in some respects, but with many more variations in altitude.

Kymi Ring test pilot impressions

Michele Pirro: “The circuit is really beautiful, difficult to interpret in the wet. I hope to be able to complete some laps in the dry, but for MotoGP it is a complete track, fast in the first section and slow in the second part.”

Stefan Bradl: “Unfortunately the rain complicated the plans, but tomorrow the forecast is more encouraging and we hope to be able to push harder to give the public a bit of a show too. The track seems very interesting to me."

Sylvain Guintoli: “The first part of the Kymi Ring, from the first corner to Turn-3, is really beautiful, you go downhill before going up to take off and face the turn that leads onto the long straight. I have never had the opportunity to come to Finland and I find it wonderful.”

Mika Kallio: “I think that for anyone to finally be able to race at home is special. Inaugurating the track was an honor for me. The mixed section is really tortuous and between the rain and the new asphalt it was really difficult to find a good feeling to be able to push.”

Bradley Smith: “This track is truly something new, I've never found anything like it in the past. In some places it's far too slow, but there's no shortage of places where you go full speed like at Silverstone. All in all it's nice to have a full range of corners in one track. From a technical point of view, the abundance of raised curves makes the track decidedly technical. I believe that Moto3 and Moto2 riders will definitely feel comfortable with agile and light bikes.”