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SBK, Loris Baz returns to Superbike with Althea

OFFICIAL - The French rider will ride the BMW next season, making his debut at the upcoming Jerez test

SBK: Loris Baz returns to Superbike with Althea

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With no room for him in MotoGP, his move to Superbike was inevitable. Loris Baz will join team Althea, with the squad having now confirmed the rider for the 2018 season. Next week, at Jerez, the Frenchman will make his debut with the BMW, with Genesio Bevilacqua's team having renewed its agreement with the German manufacturer.

Born in 1993, Baz has spent three years in the MotoGP championship, gaining great experience while competing against the world's best riders. From 2012 to 2014 the Frenchman rode in the Superbike world championship with Kawasaki, alongside Tom Sykes, and scored a total of 9 podium and 2 fantastic race wins.

The rider looks forward to returning to the SBK paddock: “I wanted to find the best solution for my future and I think I have found this in team Althea.  I have known Genesio for a long time, so we talked and, to be honest, it was very easy to come to an agreement. I know the team is strong and I consider the project a very interesting one, also in light of the changes to the regulation. I’m very happy with my decision. I want to thank Genesio Bevilacqua and BMW of course, and am looking forward to getting out on track with the S1000RR for the first time during the upcoming Jerez tests.”

Team boss Genesio Bevilacqua is also pleased: “It’s a time of great change in Superbike and the arrival of the new regulation, as well as an “explosive” rider as courageous and determined as Loris Baz, does not just reignite my personal enthusiasm and that of the team, but also that of the championship itself. We are aware of the challenge that we face, as we will once again be battling factory teams that have some very fierce riders, but I think that we have everything we need to be able to fight on a level playing field in 2018, targeting results that are more in line with the level and prestige of Althea and the BMW factory. I therefore welcome Loris, on behalf of the entire team. We are looking forward to working with him.”

Translated by Heather Watson
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