MotoGP: Baz set to make return after long absence

Loris Baz will return to MotoGP this weekend after a long absence, having finally recovered from injuries sustained when he was taken out on the opening lap of the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello by Alvaro Bautista in May.

Badly breaking multiple bones in his foot and requiring surgery to repair the fractures, the Frenchman has been laid up for weeks, only able to return to regular training in the past few weeks.

However, missing both Catalunya and Assen and with his DNF at Mugello joining further non-finishes at Qatar and Argentina, his hopes of a strong result in the championship have now taken a hit.

“I’m really happy about coming back after my injury. My foot is much better now, it’s not at 100% and still painful, but I can’t wait any more to jump back on my bike. My aim for this weekend is to get the feeling back and then to try to ride the best possible race on Sunday. I don’t want to take risks this weekend, my goal will be just to ride my bike and to get back on the pace.

“We’ll have a test in Austria after the race, and I’m sure these two days will be really helpful for us. I’m looking forward to see my bike and to try the improvements made by Pirro with the electronics. I’m eager to get back after watching the last two races from my sofa.”

The return of the Avintia Ducati rider also brings to an end a long streak of appearances for replacement rider Michele Pirro, who has deputised for both Baz and Danilo Petrucci as well as making a wildcard appearance at his home race in Mugello.