Coming from MotoGP, Loris hoped to be among the first in Superbike. But the two Kawasakis were already taken, as were the two Ducatis, as well as the two Yamahas. We therefore had to be satisfied with the BMW Althea, an unofficial motorcycle although supported by BMW Motorrad Motorsport. Due to the injury he suffered on Friday, he did what he could. And nothing is lost: it was only the first round of the Championship, and Baz is now only 4 points behind Chaz Davies (Ducati factory) and Michael van der Mark (official Yamaha)?
This first Australian round started very badly. During the second dry session, Loris unfortunately fell in turn 4. Hit in the shoulder, he was transported to the medical center where doctors diagnosed him with several bruises. All that remained was to grit our teeth for the rest of the weekend, and if possible finish the two races for the team and the mechanics, even if a retirement after a few laps would have been understood.
here's how Loris Baz experienced this first bad day: “The first session in the wet went pretty well. I was among the top ten for a long time while regaining my bearings on the Pirellis in these conditions. I tried to put on a mixed tire at the end of the session, but it was interrupted by a red flag. Despite everything, I remain convinced that it was the right choice.
“In the dry, it didn't take me long to get into the rhythm. I was improving my time from practice on Monday and Tuesday when Alex Lowes made a mistake right in front of me. I still managed to set a time of 1'32.3, although hampered by the traffic. The next lap, I was on a good start, but I lost half a handlebar at turn 4. I fell over the bike.
“It's a real shame, because it was a stupid fall, the simple consequence of a defective part. I tried to ride in the afternoon, but I was in too much pain. I preferred to stop in order to rest while waiting for tomorrow. I have pain on right-hand curves as well as heavy braking. Overtaking in the first race will therefore be tricky, but I will do my best.
“It’s obviously not how I was hoping to start the season. We had done everything we needed to do over the winter...and I'm off on the wrong foot. My pace being fast, we will still try to score as many points as possible. The forecast is for rain, this would help me feel less pain on the bike and move up the rankings more easily. »
Genesio Bevilacqua, the boss of the Althea Gulf BMW team, was also disappointed: “ A very unhappy Friday. The wet session didn't go too bad but unfortunately an unexpected crash during the second session made things difficult for us. At first it didn't seem too bad, but Loris injured his shoulder, damaging the tendons I think. He has nothing broken, but he had difficulty riding during the last session. I'm really sorry, it's a shame because we were ready to compete at a higher level. We will see if we are able to score some points tomorrow, but it will depend on how Loris feels of course. »
First round in pain
Loris Baz started from the fifth row, but was already ninth on the first lap. Then severe shoulder pain, exacerbated by heavy braking and the hairpins to the right of the Australian track, forced him to conclude the event with five points for 11th place under the checkered flag.
To Loris : “I only completed two laps this morning to preserve myself for the rest of the day. In Superpole, I managed to record a good time. I know it was possible to do better, but I suffered a lot in the right turns. I had an excellent start which allowed me to quickly place myself in eighth position.
“After which, I had a great battle against Leon Camier with numerous overtakes. But my shoulder injury forced me to brake early and leave a few doors open. I nevertheless managed to catch up elsewhere, but, as the race progressed, I lacked strength and I lost ground.
“Despite the situation, I managed to score a few points in the standings. It's a shame, because I know I had the means to follow them. I gritted my teeth and hope to do better on Sunday to be in the top ten with a faster pace. »
According to Genesio Bevilacqua, team owner of the Althea BMW Racing Team, “ It was a very difficult race due to Loris' physical condition. We were worried he wouldn't be able to finish it, but he was able to do it.
“His pace was slower than that of the leading group of course, but sufficient to be able to contain many runners. A real test of character and I am very happy with the way he did it.
“I would like to congratulate him for the courage and sporting pride he showed today. Tomorrow I think we'll see more or less a repeat of today's performance. If we can score a few points we will head to Thailand with a much more competitive driver. The team worked well and I am happy. »
A very brave Sunday
Loris started from 13th place on the grid, then engaged in a fierce battle with Jordi Torres (who drove his BMW Althea last year). The mandatory tire change went well and Baz scored the points from ninth position.
“I suffered during the first part of the race, Loris explained., but much less after going to the box. It was fun to be able to compete against the others during the first five rounds. Jordi Torres and I fought well. I overtook him three or four times in the final loop, but I lacked the strength in my shoulder to gain the upper hand and manage to stay in front. After my fall, I didn't think I would be able to finish a race.
“In the end, I managed to finish both. The wheel change went very well and the team did an excellent job. It's always positive to score a few points, even if it's certainly not the weekend we were hoping for. Despite everything, we gathered a lot of information and managed to improve a few things on the bike. This bodes well for further progress in Thailand. Until then, the objective will be to treat my shoulder by following several physiotherapy sessions in order to be in the best shape in Buriram. "
Genesio Bevilacqua was satisfied with his French pilot: “ This first round in Australia was conditioned by the physical condition of our driver, but we reacted well and we worked to score points. We were also able to check our work in flag-to-flag, which went well. We are not yet sure where we will position ourselves in the upcoming races, but the signs are positive. The team did a good job, because after Loris' accident we thought he wouldn't even be able to race. But our pilot, the professional that he is, gritted his teeth and we did well. I am satisfied with the work of the driver and the team. »
Photos © Althea Gulf BMW Racing, PSP/ Lukasz Swiderek, Dorna TV
