A ride with NGM Forward Racing appears to be the most advanced option for Baz, who currently sits fifth in the standings in the eni FIM Superbike World Championship. Should he sign with Forward he would be equipped with an Open Yamaha, with a Yamaha engine and frame, and would ride alongside German Stefan Bradl.
Riding for Kawasaki this year in WSBK Baz already has eight podiums to his name, including seven second places. The 21 year-old was a race winner last year in WSBK, having previously ridden in the Superstock 1000 and Superstock 600 categories and the British Superbike Championship.
In an interview with OffBikes.com Baz outlined how negotiations are going to confirm his participation in Grand Prix racing next year…
You had signed a pre-contract with the Aspar team, but it has been cancelled as it was felt that you are too tall for their MotoGP™ bike. What was your reaction to this?
“It’s incredible. To establish a contract and then learn on the internet that I would not be riding, it’s hard to believe. At the time, it was a bit depressing. But it’s like that and fortunately we have found other solutions.”
Although you appear to have some good options have you been worried that you might end up without a ride next year?
“Yes, of course. There is always a moment when you are afraid of this kind of situation. But I have kept my perspective. I think I deserve my place. I’m 21 and there are few riders of my age who ride this fast. I was hoping that there would be someone who sees that I deserved my place and is be able to give me the chance. It was so hard to take that I had to distance myself from the issue. It was obviously a huge disappointment because racing is my passion, my job and riding in MotoGP is my dream. I gave up another good option to follow this opportunity as I thought it was the right time to take this risk. I would have been very disappointed if it had all failed at that point.”
Yamaha have renewed their partnership with Forward Racing to provide their engine and chassis, was it a ride that already interested you?
“Yes, we had been talking to them from the beginning. We were more advanced with the Aspar Team than with Forward Racing. We have restarted the conversation and even more so after the announcement. If I come to MotoGP it is obviously to get a good bike and to try to fight at the front of the Open category. Getting a competitive bike makes it even more interesting.”
If the Forward Racing ride does not come off, what are your other options?
“There are still many opportunities, both in MotoGP and Superbike. I’m not leaving Kawasaki to go to another team in Superbike. Obviously that would be a huge disappointment. I try to be reasonable and more so after what happened with the Aspar team. Anyway, nothing is confirmed but we are going in the right way.”