Kawasaki applaud Baz ahead of MotoGP move
Kawasaki team manager Guim Roda has praised the 'determination and motivation' of his rider Loris Baz as the manufacturer formally confirmed it will part ways with the Frenchman at the end of this weekend's 2014 finale in Qatar.
Though Baz's switch to MotoGP with Forward Yamaha was confirmed earlier in the month, the youngster has now been formally released from the Kawasaki Racing Team contract, a move that is likely to pave the way for an imminent announcement confirming Jonathan Rea in his place.
Indeed, though Roda says it is disappointing Baz and KRT's paths are now 'heading in different directions', he nonetheless applauds the efforts of the Frenchman in his two and a half years with the manufacturer
"After Joan Lascorz' mid-season crash in Imola in 2012, KRT decided to give an opportunity to a young rider from a Kawasaki Superstock 1000 FIM Cup team, and his name was Loris Baz. We planned a three-year project for him, so he could grow to be a top rider. His crew chief Pere Riba and all the guys in KRT, using all the tools Kawasaki gave us, made an excellent job.
"Using the reference of Tom Sykes, Loris truly grew up to be one of the top five riders in WSBK, fighting every race with some legends and experienced riders. He matured from riding in a very talented and aggressive way to a cleverer and very consistent way.
"Now he is able to go fast all the weekend with no crashes, using a very good working method. His motivation to look for other racing endeavours and the fact we need a fully concentrate with a rider for a two year project, maybe three, currently make the paths of Loris Baz and KRT head in different directions.
"All our best wishes will go with Loris - and on a personal level I am impressed by his determination and motivation to create new goals."
Baz joined Kawasaki as the full-time replacement for Joan Lascorz, who was left paralysed in a testing accident at Imola in 2012.
Set to finish the 2014 season inside the top five overall, Baz will leave WSBK and Kawasaki having amassed at least two wins, 13 podiums and two pole positions.
