Loris Baz says he isn’t expecting to be challenging the leading open class runners until midway through the 2015 season. The Frenchman will make his MotoGP debut with Athina Forward Racing in Qatar this weekend and although he will be riding for the leading open squad from 2014, Baz has warned not to expect too much too soon.
“It’s finally time of my MotoGP debut. I worked really hard to be able to get ready for this race. I had to learn everything about this bike: the carbon discs, the brakes, the new tires and strengthen my muscles to adapt my driving style to the Yamaha Forward. The goal is to try to get close to my rivals in the Open class by summer. I am confident and at the same time anxious to get on track in Qatar”.
By contrast, teammate Stefan Bradl is aiming high and is expecting to be leading the open class championship right from the start in Qatar.
“After a winter of testing, I’m really happy to be back on track for the race. It was an intense pre-season: I came to a new team and I had to become familiar with a completely different bike compared to last year. The overall feeling is positive and I look forward to ride the Yamaha Forward. As mentioned, the goal is to be able to approach the head of the Open class and try to win the title in this category”.
