“I can’t wait to get on the Panigale V4R and ride it” says an emotional Baz during an interview for MotoAmerica in New York
25.03.2021 ( Aggiornata il 25.03.2021 15:40 )
24 March was an important day for Loriz Baz. The Frenchman, who will compete in MotoAmerica this year, was in New York at the Ducati USA HQ for the official unveiling of his V4R race bike.
The bike’s livery is more than a little similar to that of the Aruba.it Panigale V2s ridden by Davies and Melandri in 2017-2018, with that imposing black band on the fairing that, in this case, features “Ducati New York” lettering to highlight the Italian manufacturer’s commitment, something that was already clear to see with Zanetti during the second half of last season and that is set to be further strengthened with Loris Baz, who will receive factory material.
Loris has thrown himself into this new American adventure, so much so that his helmet features a stars and stripes flag. He is keen to compete in MotoAmerica but also to explore the States, something he’ll have more opportunity to do this year.
After the presentation, Loris was interviewed by MotoAmerica, explaining how the move came about and outlining his hopes and goals for the year.
“I can’t wait to get on it and ride”
As soon as he unveils his Ducati, Baz’s thoughts immediately turn to riding his new V4R. “I love the bike and the livery. I’ve been at the team’s base with Alessandro, my mechanic, for a week, preparing the bike. I can’t wait to get on and ride it because I have ridden for a long time and now the contract is signed, I want to get to work”.
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“I have a lot to learn”
Baz, who will soon take part in official MotoAmerica testing, also talks about the challenges that await him: “The same challenges any rider faces in a new championship. I don’t have a lot of pressure on me, but I have a lot to learn and that’s what excites me most, changing and discovering new things each time. I can’t wait to get to know the bike. I don’t know the tyres or tracks but think I’ll like the circuits because they remind me of those in BSB.”
And speaking of the tracks, the Frenchman adds: “I’ve always been quick through the fast turns. I like undulating tracks, not flat ones that are boring. My favourites are Portimao, Brands Hatch, Assen, Mugello, fast tracks with fast turns, Phillip Island is the best in the world. I think I’ll like the American track, I’ve seen some races on TV. I like to brake hard, that’s part of my riding style, and then the bike does the rest out of the turns I think”.
“My height’s never been a problem”
The Frenchman will be the tallest on the MotoAmerica grid and has this to say: “I’ve always been taller than my rivals. I’ve never seen it as a disadvantage, it’s a normal thing and also has its positives. Being tall means you can better move your body forwards. It becomes a disadvantage along the straight but helps you brake earlier. Long arms and legs help you to control the bike better through the turn.”
He adds: “I’ve never seen my height as a problem, and I’ve shown that a tall rider can also be fast. You just need people around you that understand your needs compared to another rider.”
“I’m pleased Ducati is supporting us”
As it did with Lorenzo Zanetti at the end of last year, Ducati will continue to support the HSBK Warhorse team and Loris Baz this season. Baz comments: “It’s definitely an advantage to have Ducati on side because they know how to set-up a bike for a tall rider, and Scott is proving what a tall rider can do with this bike. So I’m pleased that Ducati was there for the contract signing and that they’ll support us. And then we have the V4, the most powerful engine around. When you’re tall, you lose time along the straight but, with a powerful engine, you can avoid hanging on to the brakes and make up for what you lose on the straight .”
“I’m happy the first test is at Austin, a track I know”
Loris talks about what he expects from the Road Atlanta season-opener and beyond. “Most of the work will be done during testing and after the race we’ll have more test sessions which will help me understand everything. I’m pleased the first test is at Austin, a track I know and enjoy. I won’t need to learn the layout but can instead focus on the work, getting to know the bike and my team.”
He continues: “The aim is to win, this is what me and the team want. They’ve made a huge effort with this project and I’m ready. I’ll have a lot of work to do and I can’t wait”.
“27 years since the last Ducati title? I’m 28…”
Loris Baz finishes by singing the praises of Eraldo Ferracci, present at the time of Corser’s title and still part of the team today. “I don’t think I have any more pressure on me. Eraldo Ferracci was team manager back then, and he still is now. Eraldo is the only person who knows what it takes for Ducati to win here, I get to work with a a real legend who is very well known in Europe. I want to bring the title home to Ducati 27 years after the last one”.
Translated by Heather Watson
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