WSBK: Exclusive interview with Loris Baz, second in the Jerez tests

Despite missing the first five rounds of last season, which had a total of thirteen, Loris managed to finish with his Ten Kate team Yamaha in tenth position ahead of nine permanent riders. 2020 looks positive for him with an efficient team, a promising new R1 and solid support from Yamaha.

The second fastest time he just set in the recent Jerez tests is a good indicator of his current form.

How did your tests go?

“They went well overall and were positive. I had fun riding the handlebars. I'm having more and more fun on this bike. It's been a long time since I had this much fun riding, so that's positive. We had only done one test session with this bike, so we had a lot of ideas in mind that we wanted to try. Even if we haven't ridden the new bike, there are a lot of things that won't change on this new one, so we were able to work on that already for next year. It was a good two days of work with a lot of things done. We were very lucky with the weather with fantastic weather, so it was a perfect two days. »

Only Niccolò Canepa drove at Jerez on the 1 R2020. Was it a handicap for you to run on the 2019? Is 2020 very different?

“The official team tested some parts of the 2020 bike on the 2019 bike. There are a lot of small things that change on the new one, but some parts remain pretty much the same, like the frame and the swingarm. The developments are mainly at the aerodynamic and engine level. We therefore worked a lot on the chassis part, since in this area it will be almost the same bike next year. We tried various ideas that we had in mind, such as slightly different riding positions to be even more efficient. We also worked on the distribution of masses. We also tried different stiffnesses, and new parts like a fairing which was roughly what the 2020 bike will be equipped with, to see the aerodynamic effect while riding. So in the end a lot of things tried and a really positive outcome of these two days. »

Were you surprised to finish second, and therefore ahead of all the other Yamaha riders?

“No, not surprised, because I know we're fast, but it's the November testing at Jerez, and like more or less all the winter testing, with all the different tires we're testing a, I always say that the results don't mean much. It is rather based on the quality of the work carried out, because we do not always know how many qualifying tires the drivers have used, how many soft tires…”

“But it is certain that after these tests I prefer to go home in second position rather than in tenth place, it gives energy and motivates me to work during the winter. What's certain is that we did a good job and I'm happy with it because one of our weak points with this bike since I've been riding it is the first few laps during which I can't not using the new racing tires well, that is to say I felt the need to upgrade to new tires and qualifying tires. There, most of the drivers used qualifying tires and I still managed to finish second, which proves that we managed to progress on one of our weak points which was the qualifying tires. »

Achieving a good performance during the last tests of the year gives morale for the whole winter. Did your time boost your confidence?

“Yes, it’s nice. And it motivates me to work during the winter, whether it's me or the team. Afterwards, it doesn't change anything because I don't think anyone did their perfect lap. On Friday I was still improving on a lap of almost four tenths when I made a small mistake and crashed. »

“But it gives you energy. Afterwards, we look at what Johnny (Rea) is doing and there is sure to be work left. But there are still quite a few testing days left before the season starts, so now I'm looking forward to January on the new bike to really start working with this R1. »

Your Ten Kate team is in contact with Sandro Cortese to make him your possible teammate. What do you think ?

“Honestly, I have no idea and I don't even talk about it too much with the team because we focus on what we are doing. They are very motivated with me. In any case, Sandro would not have participated in these Jerez tests – even if it had to be done with him – because he has just had surgery. »

“There is no reason to rush and do things too quickly because there is still time until next season. So honestly, I don't know. Whether I have a teammate or I don't, it doesn't change much. On the other hand, it's nice to have a teammate because it allows us to work together. Afterwards it is a team decision based on the budget and partners. »

What are your plans for this winter?

“Like almost every winter, I'm going to spend a few weeks relaxing, while starting my physical preparation again next week. So a lot of physical preparation, a bit of motorcycling in winter on the ice, and then also spending time with my loved ones, my family, my girlfriend. I'm going to enjoy life a little this winter because the season is going to be long and I will have to be 100% next year because it will be a great season. So, for sure, you will have to be ready. I can not wait to be there ! »

Photos © Yamaha Racing