MOTEGI, Japan, Sept 23, 2007 (AFP) - Finland's Mika Kallio raced to his first 250cc victory of his career at the motorcycling Japanese Grand Grand Prix here Sunday.

The 24-year-old, who has stepped up from the 125cc after finishing second overall in the class for two straight years, won in 48 minutes 28.585 seconds on a KTM, 4.893 seconds ahead of Italian Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso.

Spain's Hector Barbera on an Aprilia came in third 16.634 seconds further back.

Points leader Jorge Lorenzo of Spain finished 11th on an Aprilia and his lead over nearest rival Dovizioso narrowed to 36 with three races to go.

Kallio's previous best 250cc result was second spot behind Japan's fellow KTM rider Hiroshi Aoyama in the German Grand Grand Prix in July.