After long weeks of rest, Loris Baz resumed hostilities a few days ago near Jerez and then Portimão. The Frenchman, who is preparing to compete in his first full season under the colors of the Ten Kate Racing – Yamaha team, is determined to fight for the title of best independent rider.
Although he only competed in the 2019 season starting with the event in Jerez, Loris Baz has several times given his opponents a hard time, some even riding official machines. Ranked in the Top 10 16 times in 24 races, the Haut-Savoyard hopes to return to the podium and victory in 2020.
What was your winter program before returning to the track?
“After a few weeks of rest, I resumed physical training at the beginning of December. So I spent a good month and a half preparing, like every year. The goal is to be ready for the first test. There is still a little time to refine certain details and be 100% sure of arriving in Australia. I also rode on the ice to keep in touch with a motorcycle. It went by very quickly, much faster than last year! »
So you found the Ten Kate Racing – Yamaha team in Jerez then in Portimão, what did you work on during these four days?
“Our schedule was busy! In Jerez, however, we had to deal with difficult weather. Despite the rain, we worked very well. It's very rare to be able to run on a perfectly wet track. Usually, there is always a time when it is too cold, there is too much water, or not enough. The rain was constant throughout the day and we were able to continue our progress. We compared the 1 Yamaha YZF-R2020 with the 2019 version. On the second day, we were not able to work calmly, because the conditions were very precarious. On the other hand, in Portimão, we have taken a big step forward. We did back-to-back testing between 2019 and 2020, without the engine which we will only have at Phillip Island. It was about comparing the two bikes, testing new parts on the 2019 version to confirm them before putting them on the 2020. We completed a lot of laps and we did an excellent job. We were able to focus on our weak points with the new tires, the qualifying tires… It's really positive. We also made progress on starts. We still need to fine-tune the bike setup to avoid wheelies, but it's going in the right direction! These four days were important. »
You are preparing for your first full season with the team, what are your goals?
“It will be about finishing in the Top 5 in every race and getting on the podium as often as possible. We are of course aiming for victory! Even though we are an independent team, I think we have the capabilities, like Toprak Razgatlioglu last year. You must not be afraid of anyone! You have to play at the forefront. This season promises to be interesting with many very fast drivers. There are also many different manufacturers. The season is long, but we will try to be on the podium and have fun at each round. »
What support will you have for the coming year?
“We are very well supported by Yamaha. We may be an independent team, but Eric De Seynes and Andrea Dosoli are behind us. The team is more motivated than ever. It's a pleasure to race in this team which wants to move forward. It's been a while since I've felt this thirst for victory. I get along very well with each member of the staff. I am also lucky to have partners who have followed me for several seasons, in MotoGP and WorldSBK. Others are arriving and, in the World Championship, that is very important. This allows me to work in the best conditions on the track and in training. Thank you to all my sponsors who greatly contribute to the success of this season. »
