MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship rookie Loris Baz (GULF Althea BMW Racing Team) is set to make his return to the MotoGP™ world championship this weekend, as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing have called for the experience of the Frenchman ahead of the GoPro British Grand Prix this weekend, replacing the injured Pol Espargaro.

Baz has 49 GP starts to his name, and is an experienced rider in both paddocks – making the move from SBK® in 2015 and was a consistent points scorer. Stepping back into WorldSBK for 2018, he has been making some strong progress with his BMW S 1000 RR and will now face the challenge of taking on the KTM in the UK.

Silverstone is a strong circuit for Baz, with both his WorldSBK wins secured around the 5.8km track in Northamptonshire. Understandable thrilled to get back on a bike, the 25 year old explains: “Pol was hoping to ride but his recovery still needs a bit of time. I would therefore like to wish him a speedy recovery. My manager informed me about this opportunity on Monday afternoon and the agreement was reached very quickly. I would like to thank Genesio Bevilacqua from team Althea BMW Racing for allowing me to race at Silverstone. A huge thanks to him because without his permission it would not have been possible. I am pleased that KTM thought about me, because it is a big team. I will make the most of it, enjoy it and try to have a good weekend. I am not setting myself any objectives. I will see people I have previously worked with in MotoGP. This is an official team and I am going to do my best to help the team in Pol’s absence. I think there is no better way to prepare myself for the remainder of the WorldSBK season!“

Follow his progress with his new team this from 24th – 26th August, all on MotoGP.com, and re-live some of his greatest achievements with the WorldSBK VideoPass.