Ten Kate gives wings to a talent that has not yet blossomed: with the Dutch Yamaha, Loris Baz can go very far...
Loris Baz ended the offseason in the wake of Jonathan Rhea. A performance that positions him as the best driver Yamaha , and also top private, as he rides a YZF-R1 with the 2019 engine, prepared by Ten Kate. The two officials, Toprak Razgatlioglu et Michael van der Mark, will have to deal with this “cousin” motorcycle which will absolutely have to be taken into consideration. After a nightmare in 2018 and a semi-sabbatical year in 2019 with the Dutch structure ex Honda, Loris is experiencing the most serene and happy day before the world championship of his career. He will be one of the protagonists. Whether he has what it takes to get on the podium already enjoyed last season, we will know once hostilities begin.
Loris, what a time in the tests! But will you also be fast in the race?
“We have been doing well since November. In 2019, we started the championship halfway, without testing. Now that we have left calmly, we are preparing well. The technicians at Ten Kate know what they are doing, I am learning to understand how to make the Yamaha R1 go faster and faster. I did a few outings of around ten laps. Monday, I wasn't feeling well physically, I didn't have much energy. We know it's important to save the tire at Phillip Island, and we're working on it. »
What races are you expecting?
“There are several of us who are very fast, I think the leading peloton will be compact and agitated. I'll be there in the middle, playing curve after curve in positions that matter. »
Who do you see as your favorite?
“Jonathan Rea is an expert and has been riding the same bike and team for many years. The Kawasaki doesn't have a great top speed, it's closer to us than to a Ducati. But it's a balanced bike that rides well. He is the driver to beat, there is no doubt about it. »
Your R1 is a mix of new and old models. Can you explain to us?
"Let's first say that my Yamaha is a 2020 with the 2019 engine. On Friday we are going to install an engine that has evolved from the one used in the tests, it should have a few more horses, which is practical here. From Jerez I should also have the 2020 engine. Ten Kate prepares the engines directly, they need more time to develop the new one. »
And the chassis?
« I have a swingarm and fork different from the official ones, these are components developed by Ten Kate. The Dutch are an integral part of the Yamaha project, I have a lot of confidence in their skills. »
A few months ago, you found yourself out of the paddock. Can you tell us more ?
“At the end of 2018, after the bad season with BMW, I preferred to stay at home, until an opportunity presented itself that gave me guarantees. At this level, no rider can achieve results without a competitive bike and a competent team. I always thought that my weight wasn't a problem in itself, I just needed people who understood my technical needs, who supported me. I have a perfect relationship with Ten Kate: they have the same desire for revenge, we understand each other perfectly. I know what my level is and here, in Superbike, I can compete against the best. »
How are things going with the two Yamaha officials?
“I don't run to cultivate friendships, we know we are all adversaries on the track. But I have a good relationship with Toprak, he's a nice guy and we joke, when it happens, in the evening in the paddock. Plus, it's someone who touches you on the track, don't complain, at best he hits you back. Many get angry if you touch them. I started racing in the days of Bayliss, Corser and Haga: they gave it for good reason, but after the checkered flag, we became friends again. Now it's not like that anymore. »
The term : “I became calm and happy again. And when you are in these mental conditions, it is easier to go fast, so fast…”
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