In an attempt to genuinely get to know their new rider, or perhaps an flimsy reason for a free holiday and a good excuse for a press release, the Pramac Racing Team took a 4 day trip to Finland to spend time with Mika Kallio and experience the Finnish lifestyle.

Mika Kallio hosted 5 members of the Pramac Team in his cottage in Levi (in the Finnish lapland) and introduced them to the activities he enjoys when at home in the off-season. This has included driving Snowmobiles and going rallying with Finnish rally driver Harri Rovanperä. All in –36° C temperatures.

Mika Kallio – Pramac Racing Team

“When we signed the contract and we met the Team in Valencia, we started to think about planning something special for them, so we decided to invite the Team to my cottage. We thought this would be a great idea to get to know each other better and start the new season with good team spirit. Of course the visit has involved some of my off-season training activities, like snowmobile riding, rally driving and ice bike racing. We had a really good time even if in these few days the temperature weren’t too friendly to us reaching almost minus forty degrees Celsius. I was really surprised that all the guys made it to follow us in all the activities planned: specially diving and swimming in the frozen lake! I never thought they would have done it. This is the team spirit I like! I’ve met some special people and I am sure we will get alone very well. I am ready to give my best during the 2009 MotoGP season to give them more unforgettable moments. “

Fabiano Sterlacchini – Pramac Racing Technical Director

“When we first received the invitation from Mika in November we were totally surprised. I’ve been in the bike racing world from many years and I never heard a rider who invited his new team crew to his house during pre season. It was very kind of him and we have of course accepted. We were really excited to live this marvelous experience. We have done some amazing activities that before we could never think about, like sitting beside famous rally driver Harri Rovanperä for a full speed drive on a iced track! It was really incredible. Then we rode snowmobiles with Mika going through the woods and seeing some reindeers. It was really cold but the adrenaline didn’t stop us. We have also tried a typical Finnish thermal activity: we have swum in the icy lake for a few seconds and then gone directly to the Sauna. If I think about it now I still can’t believe we have done such a thing. In the name of the Pramac Racing Team I want to thank Mika and his staff for this unforgettable experience.”

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