Loris Baz
Loris Baz (born 1 February 1993) is a French professional motorcycle road racer from Sallanches.[1] Early Career and Rise in Superbike RacingBaz began his competitive racing in the European Superstock 600 Championship, where he won the title in 2008.[2]
He progressed to the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup in 2009 before making his World Superbike (WorldSBK) debut in 2012 with the Kawasaki Racing Team.[2][1]
His breakthrough came in 2014, finishing fifth in the WorldSBK Championship with nine podiums, including eight second-place finishes.[1][2] MotoGP and International Stints
In 2015, Baz entered the MotoGP World Championship as a rookie with the Forward Yamaha team, achieving his best result of fourth place at Misano and Brno.[2]
He switched to Avintia Ducati for 2016 and 2017, recording additional top finishes including fifth at Sepang in 2016.[1]
Returning to WorldSBK in 2018 with Althea BMW, he later raced for Ten Kate Yamaha (2019–2020) and Bonovo Action BMW (2022–2023), amassing two race wins and 20 podiums across 209 WorldSBK starts.[2] Recent Achievements in American Series
Without a full-time WorldSBK seat in 2021 and 2024, Baz competed in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, joining the War Horse HSBK Racing Ducati team in 2024 alongside Josh Herrin.[3]
In 2025, he transitioned to the Mission King of the Baggers series with the Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew, teaming with Troy Herfoss and Tyler O'Hara, and securing his first victory in the class at Road Atlanta on May 5, finishing second in the championship with 194 points.[4][5]
Early life
Childhood and family background
Loris Baz was born on February 1, 1993, in Sallanches, a town in the Haute-Savoie department of southeastern France, located in the French Alps near the Swiss border and approximately an hour from Geneva.[1][6] Baz's family played a pivotal role in fostering his early interests, with his father, a mechanic and avid motorsports enthusiast, serving as a primary influence despite suffering a paralyzing crash prior to Baz's birth.[6] His father, who loved anything involving engines and had dreamed of becoming a racer himself, named Baz after Italian motorcycle racer Loris Capirossi, the 1990 125cc world champion, instilling an early passion for the sport.[6] Baz's mother provided essential support by homeschooling him starting at age 11, after he faced challenges in traditional schooling, and she relocated with him to Spain at age 10 to pursue racing opportunities; the family, including his sister who is 12 years older and works as a helicopter pilot, made significant sacrifices, such as his father selling their home and business to fund his endeavors.[6] Growing up in the mountainous Alpine region, Baz enjoyed an active outdoor lifestyle that emphasized physical discipline and adventure, including riding quads and snowmobiles from as young as two years old, activities that honed his coordination and resilience amid the rugged terrain.[6] He ceased formal education around age 12 to focus fully on his developing interests, instead acquiring multilingual skills in Spanish, English, Italian, and French through immersion during travels and team environments.[6] These early experiences in the Alps and familial encouragement laid a foundation of determination that naturally progressed into structured pursuits.[6]Introduction to motorcycle racing
Loris Baz's introduction to competitive motorcycle racing began in his early childhood in France, where he first took to the track around age 10 through motocross events. Growing up in Sallanches, in the French Alps, Baz initially honed his skills on off-road motocross bikes in local regional competitions, building a foundation in balance, speed, and bike control amid the challenging terrain typical of French junior motocross circuits. These formative experiences ignited his passion for racing, supported by his family's encouragement, which provided the initial backing needed to pursue the sport despite its demands.[7] Transitioning to road racing shortly thereafter, Baz competed in his first two circuit-based events on local French tracks at age 10, marking his entry into on-road competition with standard junior road racing motorcycles suited for young riders, such as 125cc models. His promising performances in these introductory races quickly caught the attention of scouts, leading to an invitation to expand his horizons beyond France. This pivotal shift highlighted his rapid adaptation from dirt to asphalt, though it required overcoming typical hurdles for a pre-teen, including strict age minimums imposed by French racing federations that limited participation in more advanced categories.[7] At just 10 years old, Baz relocated to Valencia, Spain, with his father's guidance, to join the Spanish Campeonato de España de Velocidad (CEV) junior championships, where he raced against top young talents, including future stars like Marc Márquez and Pol Espargaró. Early support came from family-driven logistics rather than formal teams, as Baz navigated the competitive junior classes on progressively more sophisticated road bikes, focusing on categories for riders under 14. Financial challenges loomed large, with the costs of travel, equipment maintenance, and entry fees straining resources for a young French expatriate family, yet these obstacles fostered resilience and a strong work ethic in his development.[7]Professional racing career
European and British championships (2008–2011)
At the age of 15, Loris Baz made a remarkable debut in international motorcycle racing by competing in the 2008 European Superstock 600 Championship with the YZF Yamaha Junior Team on a Yamaha YZF-R6.[8] He dominated the season, securing three victories, eight podium finishes, two pole positions, and four fastest laps across 10 races, ultimately clinching the championship title with 134 points and becoming the youngest winner in the series' history.[9] Standout performances included wins at Valencia and Misano, where his aggressive riding style and quick adaptation to the 600cc machinery stunned more experienced competitors, marking his breakthrough on the European stage. Building on this success, Baz progressed to the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup in 2009, riding for the Morillas Racing team on a Yamaha YZF-R1, transitioning from the junior 600cc class to the more powerful 1000cc machines.[10] Despite the step up in bike power and competition, he finished 8th in the standings after 10 races, with consistent top-10 results but no podiums, demonstrating his growing proficiency in handling larger-displacement superbikes. In 2010, Baz remained with a similar Yamaha setup in the Superstock 1000 Cup for nine races, achieving his first podium with a third-place finish at Monza, which helped him secure another 8th-place overall result and solidified his reputation as a rising talent in the series.[11] That same year, Baz expanded his experience with a wildcard debut in the British Superbike Championship, joining the Motorpoint Yamaha team on a Yamaha YZF-R1 for the final two rounds starting at Brands Hatch in September.[12] Adapting to the intense, close-quarters racing of the domestic series proved challenging for the young Frenchman, particularly after an early collision in his debut race, but he showed promise with a 7th-place finish in the opening race and a career-best 4th at Croft Circuit.[13][14] These efforts earned him 37 points and a 20th-place finish in the standings, highlighting his ability to compete against established British riders despite limited preparation.[15] This period from 2008 to 2011 represented Baz's rapid progression from junior European titles to competitive showings in 1000cc international and British series, building the foundational skills that propelled him toward full-time World Championship entries.Superbike World Championship debut (2012–2014)
Loris Baz made his debut in the Superbike World Championship in 2012 with the Kawasaki Racing Team, joining mid-season as a 19-year-old rookie after success in the European Superstock 1000 series. His first podium came at Brno in race 1 with a third-place finish, followed by a breakthrough victory in race 1 at Silverstone amid wet conditions, making him the youngest winner in series history at that time.[16] Baz secured three podiums overall that year, adapting quickly to the Ninja ZX-10R's setup despite limited prior superbike experience, and finished 10th in the riders' standings, earning recognition as the top rookie performer.[17][14] Retained by Kawasaki for a full 2013 season alongside Tom Sykes, Baz emerged as a consistent frontrunner, scoring points in nearly every round and achieving two podiums, including a third in race 2 at Assen. His season highlight was a dramatic victory in race 2 at Silverstone, repeating his 2012 success at the British circuit under dry conditions after leading from the front. Baz's strong qualifying performances and bike adaptations contributed to an eighth-place championship finish, solidifying his position as one of the series' rising talents despite occasional crashes like the one at the Nürburgring that sidelined him for a round.[17][18] In 2014, Baz's third year with Kawasaki saw his most consistent campaign, culminating in fifth place overall with nine podiums—eight seconds and one third—without a race win but with marked improvements in qualifying. He claimed his first career pole positions at Assen and Jerez, showcasing refined setup tweaks to the ZX-10R for better cornering and stability. Team dynamics grew tense with teammate Sykes, highlighted by on-track clashes at Sepang where both crashed out in race 1 and public disputes over racing lines and team orders, though Baz emphasized mutual respect in interviews while prioritizing individual results.[19][20] Notable runner-up finishes included race 2 at Phillip Island and doubles at Misano, underscoring his competitiveness before departing for MotoGP.MotoGP World Championship (2015–2018)
Baz transitioned to the MotoGP World Championship in 2015, securing a ride with the Forward Racing team on a Yamaha YZR-M1 in the Open class following his strong results in World Superbike, where he finished fourth overall in 2014 with nine podiums.[21][22] Adapting from production-based Superbikes to the more agile prototype machinery presented challenges for the 1.88-meter-tall Frenchman, particularly in terms of bike fit and cornering dynamics, but he demonstrated resilience in his rookie year.[7] His standout performance came with a career-best fourth place at the San Marino Grand Prix at Misano in wet conditions, helping him battle for the Open class title before finishing second in that category and 17th overall in the riders' standings with 28 points.[1] For 2016, Baz joined the Avintia Racing team on a Ducati Desmosedici GP14.2, partnering Héctor Barberá and adapting further to the Ducati's V4 engine and chassis, which suited his aggressive Superbike-derived riding style better than the Yamaha.[23] The season was marred by injuries, including a fractured foot from a high-speed crash at Mugello that forced him to miss the Dutch TT at Assen, and a heavy fall at Silverstone leading to another absence at Misano.[24][25] Despite these setbacks, he achieved a strong fourth place at the Czech Grand Prix at Brno and fifth at the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang, ending the year 20th in the championship with 35 points—his best overall finish to date.[1][26] Baz remained with Avintia in 2017, still on a 2015-spec Ducati while Barberá received a newer model, highlighting the satellite team's resource limitations compared to factory outfits.[27] He showed flashes of his superbike aggression with a remarkable save at the Circuit of the Americas after losing the front wheel twice on the final lap, though mechanical issues like brake failures contributed to several retirements.[28] His season was inconsistent, with a best of eighth place, and he finished 20th overall.[22] After 2017, Baz departed MotoGP, citing financial constraints that would have required him to bring sponsorship to secure a seat, a common hurdle for non-factory riders.[29] He made a brief return in 2018 as an injury replacement for Pol Espargaró at the British Grand Prix with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, qualifying 21st and finishing 17th in damp conditions at Silverstone.[30] Struggles with bike setup persisted in this one-off outing, underscoring the technical demands of premier class prototypes versus his Superbike strengths, and he ultimately shifted focus back to World Superbike.[31] Throughout his MotoGP tenure, Baz often competed against fellow Ducati satellite rider Jack Miller, whose similar transition from lower classes highlighted the class's emphasis on electronics and tire management over raw power.[22]Return to Superbike and injury setbacks (2018–2020)
Following his departure from MotoGP at the end of 2017, Loris Baz returned to the Superbike World Championship in 2018 with the GULF Althea BMW team, riding the BMW S 1000 RR. His season got off to a difficult start at the opening round in Phillip Island, Australia, where he suffered a non-displaced fracture to the greater tuberosity of his right shoulder during a practice crash, leading to persistent pain that limited his performance throughout the year. Despite the injury requiring three to five weeks for full recovery and ongoing physiotherapy, Baz continued racing, scoring points in six rounds, including a 10th-place finish in Race 1 at the Thailand circuit despite suboptimal bike setup and unfamiliar track conditions. He ultimately finished 11th in the riders' standings with 70 points, praising the team's support during his rehabilitation but noting the BMW package's lack of competitiveness as a key challenge.[32][33][34] In 2019, Baz joined the Ten Kate Racing Yamaha team midway through the season starting from Round 6 at Jerez, marking the Dutch squad's return to WorldSBK as a supported entry with the YZF-R1. Battling lingering effects from his previous shoulder issue and adapting to the Yamaha's handling, he made an immediate impact with consistent top-10 results, including a ninth-place finish in Race 2 at his debut Jerez weekend and fourth places at Misano and Donington Park. These performances netted him 138 points across 23 races, securing 10th in the final standings and second in the Independent riders' classification, though no podiums were achieved amid ongoing recovery efforts that tested his physical limits. Baz highlighted the mental toll of inconsistent results and injury management in post-race comments, crediting the small Ten Kate crew—limited to eight members—for fostering a supportive environment that aided his focus.[35][36][37] The 2020 season brought further disruptions for Baz and Ten Kate Yamaha, as the COVID-19 pandemic postponed the calendar until July, compressing events into a European-only schedule. Baz displayed marked improvement, capturing four podiums—third in Race 1 at Portimão, where he ended a six-year WorldSBK podium drought, and double seconds at his home Magny-Cours round in wet conditions—while finishing eighth overall with 202 points and again runner-up among Independents. High-speed crashes, such as one on the opening lap of Portimão Race 2, added physical strain but did not result in major injuries, allowing him to rebound with strong qualifying paces, like topping FP2 at Jerez. Baz spoke of the psychological challenges posed by the irregular schedule and persistent pain from prior setbacks, emphasizing intensive rehabilitation and a positive mindset as key to his resurgence, which included leading laps in multiple races despite team considerations for a potential switch amid funding uncertainties.[38][39][40]MotoAmerica Superbike Championship (2021–2024)
Without a full-time WorldSBK seat in 2021, Loris Baz relocated to the United States to join the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati team for his debut in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship.[41] Adapting to the series' diverse American road courses proved challenging initially, but Baz quickly acclimated by logging extensive track time, including 104 laps over two days at Road Atlanta during pre-season testing on the Ducati Panigale V4 R.[42] His breakthrough came at Road America in June, where he secured a podium finish with third place in Race 1 after a close battle for second, passing Bobby Fong and Cameron Petersen on the final run to the flag by just 0.073 seconds.[43] Baz went on to claim nine podiums across the season, including second at Virginia International Raceway and third at Brainerd International Raceway, culminating in a fourth-place championship finish with 238 points.[44][45][46] Baz's commitments to the Superbike World Championship led to his absence from the full MotoAmerica schedule in 2022 and 2023, during which he prioritized the international series with the Bonovo Action BMW team.[47] No wildcard appearances in MotoAmerica were recorded for those years, allowing him to focus on regaining form in Europe amid ongoing recovery and team adjustments.[48] Returning full-time to Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati in 2024 as teammate to Josh Herrin, Baz embraced the competitive dynamic within the squad, often pushing each other in qualifying and races while sharing setup data tailored to the unique demands of U.S. circuits like the high-speed sweeps of Road America and the technical layout of New Jersey Motorsports Park.[49] This partnership fostered a healthy rivalry, with Baz crediting Herrin's experience for refining bike tuning—particularly suspension and electronics—to handle the series' mix of long straights and tight corners, though MotoAmerica's road courses required distinct approaches compared to European venues.[50] Baz notched multiple podiums throughout the year, including third in Race 1 at New Jersey Motorsports Park, before achieving his maiden MotoAmerica Superbike victory in Race 2 there on September 29, edging out Sean Dylan Kelly by 0.151 seconds to become the first Frenchman to win an AMA Superbike race.[51][52] He concluded the season fifth in the standings with consistent top-five results, trailing champion Herrin by a significant margin but demonstrating progressive success in the American series.[53]Superbike World Championship return (2022–2023)
Baz returned to the FIM Superbike World Championship full-time in 2022 with the Bonovo Action BMW Racing Team, riding the BMW M 1000 RR alongside teammate Eugene Laverty early in the season before Garrett Gerloff joined the squad.[54] His campaign showed steady progress amid the challenges of adapting to the BMW package, with his breakthrough coming at the Dutch Round in Assen where he secured sixth-place finishes in Race 1 and the Superpole Race—BMW's best results of the year to that point.[55] Baz ended the season 12th in the riders' standings with 125 points, contributing valuable feedback to the team's development efforts while competing against top contenders like Toprak Razgatlioglu, who dominated on Ducati.[56] His prior experience in MotoAmerica helped build the consistency needed for these international sprints. In 2023, Baz continued with Bonovo Action BMW as an official factory-supported rider, partnering with Gerloff and benefiting from closer collaboration across BMW's WorldSBK program, including data sharing with factory teammate Michael van der Mark at ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.[57] The season featured consistent top-10 finishes, highlighted by a sixth place in Race 1 at Donington Park and strong performances like seventh in the Superpole Race at Imola, where he led BMW riders in both main races.[58] Baz's input as a factory rider aided ongoing refinements to the M 1000 RR's electronics and chassis, though the bike struggled against Ducati and Yamaha dominance.[59] He wrapped up the year 16th in the championship with 60 points, reflecting on the demanding schedule that included parallel commitments in MotoAmerica.[56] BMW announced in September 2023 that Baz would depart the WorldSBK project at season's end, paving the way for lineup changes including Toprak Razgatlioglu's arrival.[60] Baz expressed no surprise at the decision, noting it aligned with the manufacturer's strategic shift, and highlighted how juggling WorldSBK's high-stakes sprints with MotoAmerica's ovals and road courses sharpened his adaptability despite the physical toll.[61]Endurance World Championship participation
Loris Baz returned to the FIM Endurance World Championship in the 2019–2020 season, joining the YART Yamaha team for the season-opening Bol d'Or at Paul Ricard. Riding alongside regulars Marvin Fritz and Niccolò Canepa, Baz set a lap record during qualifying but the team encountered mechanical issues, including a fire during the race, preventing a finish. This appearance marked Baz's re-entry into endurance racing after his earlier success, including a 2013 Bol d'Or victory with the SRC Kawasaki team.[62][63][62] Baz's WorldSBK experience, where he demonstrated consistent speed and reliability, positioned him well for selective endurance entries as a hired rider. In the 2023–2024 seasons, he competed with BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and affiliated squads in key 24-hour events, including the Bol d'Or and 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans. At the 2023 Bol d'Or, Baz acted as the fourth rider for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, supporting their strategic efforts to secure a third-place podium finish despite challenging conditions.[64][65] He also joined the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team for the 2024 24 Heures Motos, emphasizing his role in bolstering team lineups for high-stakes races.[64][66] As a hired gun, Baz's contributions highlighted endurance racing's emphasis on collective strategy over individual sprint prowess, involving coordinated rider rotations, fuel and tire management, and adapting to variable weather across extended stints. Preparation differed markedly from his sprint racing background, focusing on physical stamina for multi-hour shifts, night riding simulations, and team-based decision-making to optimize pit stops and minimize errors in 24-hour formats. His involvement in these events underscored a passion for the series' unique demands, with Baz expressing openness to future appearances post-2023 Bol d'Or.[64][67]MotoAmerica King of the Baggers Championship (2025)
In February 2025, Indian Motorcycle announced that Loris Baz would join the factory-supported "Wrecking Crew" team for the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers Championship, partnering with reigning champion Troy Herfoss and two-time winner Tyler O'Hara aboard S&S Cycle-prepared Indian Challenger motorcycles.[68][69] Baz's prior experience in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship facilitated a smoother entry into the bagger class, leveraging his familiarity with American racing formats and circuits.[68] Baz marked his rookie campaign with a breakthrough victory in Race 1 at Road Atlanta on May 3, 2025, navigating wet conditions to overtake the lead on the final lap and win by just 0.199 seconds, followed by a second-place finish in Race 2.[4][70] He secured additional podiums with a second-place result in the main event at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in September 2025 and another second in the King of the Baggers Challenge at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in July 2025.[71][72] These performances highlighted his rapid adaptation to the class's demands, including close-quarters battles with frontrunners like Kyle Wyman. The King of the Baggers format presented unique transition challenges for Baz, shifting from lightweight superbikes to heavily modified production touring machines that retain significant weight—around 500 pounds—for enhanced stability but reduced agility on twisty tracks.[73] Team modifications to the Indian Challenger, such as upgraded suspension, racing tires, and engine tuning on the PowerPlus 112 V-twin, helped optimize handling for the bagger's touring-oriented setup while maintaining straight-line power.[4] Despite these adjustments, Baz engaged in intense rivalries, often trailing Wyman by narrow margins in key races. He concluded the season as runner-up in the championship with 194 points, 70 behind Wyman's title-winning tally of 264, establishing himself as a strong contender in the series.[5] This rookie achievement underscored Baz's versatility and positioned the Wrecking Crew as a dominant force against Harley-Davidson teams for subsequent seasons.[74]Career statistics
Early series results
Loris Baz's early racing career in junior and developmental series laid the foundation for his progression to higher-level championships, showcasing his talent through consistent podium finishes and a championship title in his debut season. In the European Superstock 600 Championship, he competed on a Yamaha YZF-R6 and dominated the 2008 season, securing the title as the youngest champion in the series' history at age 15.[2][75]2008 European Superstock 600 Championship Results
Baz participated in all 10 rounds, achieving 3 wins, 8 podiums (including 4 second places and 1 third place), 2 pole positions, and 4 fastest laps, with one non-podium finish. His final points total was 186, earning him 1st place in the standings.[2][9]| Round | Circuit | Qualifying Position | Race Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valencia | - | 1st | 25 |
| 2 | Assen | - | 5th | 11 |
| 3 | Monza | - | 1st | 25 |
| 4 | Nürburgring | - | 2nd | 20 |
| 5 | Misano | - | 3rd (Fastest Lap) | 16 |
| 6 | Brno | Pole | 2nd | 20 |
| 7 | Brands Hatch | - | 1st | 25 |
| 8 | Donington Park | - | 12th | 4 |
| 9 | Magny-Cours | - | 2nd (Fastest Lap) | 20 |
| 10 | Portimão | Pole | 2nd (Fastest Lap) | 20 |
2009 FIM Superstock 1000 Cup Results (Selected Highlights)
| Round | Circuit | Race Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valencia | Ret | 0 |
| 2 | Assen | 6th | 10 |
| 3 | Monza | 10th | 1 |
| 4 | Brno | 9th | 2 |
| 5 | Donington Park | 6th | 10 |
| 6 | Nürburgring | Ret | 0 |
| 7 | Misano | 14th | 0 |
| 8 | Portimão | 10th | 1 |
| 9 | Magny-Cours | 6th | 10 |
| 10 | Imola | 6th | 10 |
2010 FIM Superstock 1000 Cup Results (Selected Highlights)
| Round | Circuit | Race Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portimão | 3rd (Podium) | 16 |
| 2 | Valencia | 5th | 11 |
| 3 | Assen | Ret | 0 |
| 4 | Monza | Ret | 0 |
| 5 | Brno | 6th | 10 |
| 6 | Silverstone | 9th | 2 |
| 7 | Nürburgring | 6th | 10 |
| 8 | Imola | 5th | 11 |
| 9 | Magny-Cours | Ret | 0 |
2010 British Superbike Championship Results (Rounds 13–26)
| Round | Circuit | Race 1 Position | Race 2 Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Croft | 7th | Ret | 6 |
| 14 | Croft | 11th | Ret | 0 |
| 15 | Silverstone | 10th | 9th | 5 |
| 16 | Silverstone | DNF | 6th | 12 |
| 17 | Cadwell Park | - | - | 0 (Did not start both) |
| 18 | Oulton Park | 10th | - | 2 |
| 19 | Oulton Park | - | 6th (Fastest Lap) | 12 |
2011 British Superbike Championship Results (Selected Highlights)
| Round | Circuit | Qualifying (Pole?) | Race 1 Position | Race 2 Position | Race 3 Position | Fastest Lap? | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brands Hatch | - | Ret | 13th | - | No | 0 |
| 5 | Croft | - | 8th | 4th | - | No | 19 |
| 6 | Croft | - | Ret | 7th | - | No | 6 |
| 11 | Oulton Park | Pole | 5th | 8th | - | Yes | 24 |
| 15 | Silverstone | - | 6th | Ret | - | No | 10 |
| 26 | Brands Hatch | - | 10th | 9th | DNF | Yes | 9 |
Superbike World Championship results
Loris Baz competed in the Superbike World Championship across multiple stints, amassing 209 race starts, 2 victories, and 20 podium finishes over his career in the series.[2][56] His strongest performances came during his initial three-year tenure with the Kawasaki Racing Team, where he secured all of his wins and the majority of his podiums, finishing as high as fifth in the riders' standings in 2014. Later periods with BMW and Yamaha teams yielded consistent points-scoring results but fewer top finishes, impacted briefly by injury-related absences in 2019 and 2020 that led to some missed rounds and did not result in additional podiums during those seasons.[2][14] The following table summarizes Baz's seasonal results in WorldSBK, including team affiliations, final championship positions, points, wins, podiums, and starts:| Year | Team | Position | Points | Wins | Podiums | Starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Kawasaki Racing Team | 13th | 122 | 1 | 3 | 20 |
| 2013 | Kawasaki Racing Team | 8th | 180 | 1 | 2 | 17 |
| 2014 | Kawasaki Racing Team | 5th | 311 | 0 | 9 | 24 |
| 2018 | GULF Althea BMW | 11th | 137 | 0 | 0 | 25 |
| 2019 | Ten Kate Racing Yamaha | 10th | 138 | 0 | 0 | 23 |
| 2020 | Ten Kate Racing Yamaha | 8th | 142 | 0 | 4 | 24 |
| 2022 | Bonovo Action BMW | 12th | 125 | 0 | 0 | 36 |
| 2023 | Bonovo Action BMW | 16th | 60 | 0 | 0 | 35 |
Grand Prix motorcycle racing results
Loris Baz competed exclusively in the MotoGP class during his Grand Prix career from 2015 to 2017, riding for Forward Racing in 2015 on a Yamaha YZR-M1 and Avintia Racing in 2016–2017 on Ducati Desmosedici machines. He did not participate in any races in 2018 after returning to the Superbike World Championship. Over these three seasons, Baz demonstrated consistency in midfield battles despite equipment limitations and injuries, achieving multiple top-10 finishes but no podiums or fastest laps.[82][1] In his rookie 2015 season, Baz completed 17 starts, retiring from 3 races due to mechanical issues and crashes, and finished 17th in the riders' championship with 28 points. His standout performance came at the San Marino Grand Prix at Misano, where he secured 4th place in mixed conditions, earning 13 points and briefly contending for the Open class title against Héctor Barberá. Other notable results included points-scoring 12th places at the French Grand Prix at Le Mans and the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, highlighting his adaptation to the prototype machinery.[82][1] Baz's 2016 campaign with Avintia was hampered by a high-speed crash during pre-season testing at Sepang, causing him to miss several rounds including the Dutch TT at Assen; he managed 14 starts, 4 retirements, and ended 20th overall with 35 points. Key highlights were a 4th-place finish at the Czech Republic Grand Prix at Brno, matching his career-best, and 5th at the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang, both on the older Ducati Desmosedici GP14.2, where he outperformed several factory riders in the latter stages. At his home French Grand Prix at Le Mans, he recovered from last on the grid to 12th for 1 point.[82][83][84] For 2017, Baz remained with Avintia on an upgraded Ducati Desmosedici GP15, achieving his most consistent season with 18 starts, only 3 retirements, and 18th in the championship with 45 points. His best result was 8th place, supported by several top-10 finishes such as 10th at the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi in wet conditions. At the French Grand Prix, he scored points with a 13th-place finish despite challenges with tire wear. Baz qualified for Q2 multiple times, including 9th on the grid at the season-opening Qatar Grand Prix.[82][85][86] Across his MotoGP tenure, Baz amassed 49 starts and 108 points, with a career-best finish of 4th achieved twice but no podiums, pole positions, or fastest laps recorded. His results underscored resilience on non-factory bikes, often finishing ahead of teammates and comparable machinery in points battles.[82]| Season | Team | Bike | Starts | Retirements | Championship Position | Points | Best Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Forward Racing | Yamaha YZR-M1 | 17 | 3 | 17th | 28 | 4th (Misano) |
| 2016 | Avintia Racing | Ducati Desmosedici GP14.2 | 14 | 4 | 20th | 35 | 4th (Brno) |
| 2017 | Avintia Racing | Ducati Desmosedici GP15 | 18 | 3 | 18th | 45 | 8th |
| 2018 | - | - | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | - |
Other championships results
Loris Baz has participated in the FIM Endurance World Championship on several occasions, often as a guest or substitute rider, showcasing his versatility in long-distance racing formats. His debut in endurance came in 2013 at the Bol d'Or, where he contributed to SRC Kawasaki's overall victory alongside Greg Leblanc and Jeremy Guarnoni, completing 808 laps on the Kawasaki ZX-10R.[87] In 2019, Baz joined YART Yamaha for the Bol d'Or but the team encountered a dramatic engine fire during his stint, leading to a did not finish (DNF) despite briefly leading the race.[63] He returned to the series in 2021 for the 6 Hours of Most with Moto Ain Yamaha, partnering Randy de Puniet and Corentin Perolari, finishing 12th overall after 172 laps in the EWC class.[88] In 2023, Baz served as the fourth rider for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team at the Bol d'Or, helping the squad secure third place overall with the #37 BMW M 1000 RR after 709 laps, marking a podium in one of the season's key 24-hour events.[89] Most recently, in 2025, he raced the Suzuka 8 Hours with Japan's AutoRace Ube Racing Team on a BMW M 1000 RR, achieving sixth place overall out of 55 entries alongside Naomichi Uramoto and Davey Todd after 217 laps.[90] Baz's endurance outings highlight his adaptability, with approximately 40 hours of competitive racing accumulated across these events, excluding practice—predominantly in 24-hour formats like the Bol d'Or.[91] His sole appearance at the Suzuka 8 Hours underscores a strong debut performance in this prestigious Japanese endurance classic.| Year | Team | Teammates | Bike | Position | Laps Completed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | SRC Kawasaki | Greg Leblanc, Jeremy Guarnoni | Kawasaki ZX-10R | 1st | 808 |
| 2019 | YART Yamaha | - | Yamaha YZF-R1 | DNF | - |
| 2021 | Moto Ain Yamaha | Randy de Puniet, Corentin Perolari | Yamaha YZF-R1 | 12th | 172 |
| 2023 | BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team | - | BMW M 1000 RR | 3rd | 709 |
| 2025 | AutoRace Ube Racing Team | Naomichi Uramoto, Davey Todd | BMW M 1000 RR | 6th | 217 |
| Pos. | Rider | Team/Bike | Points (2021) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jake Gagne | Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha | 371 |
| 2 | Cameron Petersen | Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing | 325 |
| 3 | Josh Herrin | Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati | 309 |
| 4 | Loris Baz | Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati | 274 |
| 5 | Bobby Fong | TFX Yamaha Racing | 264 |
| Pos. | Rider | Team/Bike | Points (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josh Herrin | Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati | 350 |
| 2 | Sean Dylan Kelly | BMW Motorrad Motorcycles of Escondido | 318 |
| 3 | Cameron Beaubier | BMW Motorrad Motorcycles of Escondido | 301 |
| 4 | Bobby Fong | TFX Yamaha Racing | 289 |
| 5 | Loris Baz | Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati | 284 |
| Pos. | Rider | Team/Bike | Points (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyle Wyman | Harley-Davidson | 264 |
| 2 | Loris Baz | S&S/Indian Motorcycle | 194 |
| 3 | Troy Herfoss | S&S/Indian Motorcycle | 183 |
| 4 | Tyler O'Hara | Indian Motorcycle | 144 |
| 5 | James Rispoli | Harley-Davidson | 130 |