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Baz reveals talks about factory Yamaha WSBK move

Loris Baz is in talks about a move to Yamaha's factory World Superbike team, but is also considering staying at the satellite Ten Kate squad.

Loris Baz, Ten Kate Racing Yamaha

Loris Baz, Ten Kate Racing Yamaha

Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

Ex-MotoGP rider Baz has been Ten Kate's sole rider since its return to WSBK in the middle of the 2019 season, and has been a regular fixture at the front of the field in 2020.

After last weekend's Aragon round, the Frenchman lies ninth in the standings with a best finish of third in last month's Portimao Superpole race and two other top-fives to his credit.

The factory Yamaha team has a space in its 2021 line-up alongside Toprak Razgatlioglu, as Michael van der Mark is making a switch to BMW next season.

Baz has emerged as a contender to fill the seat, but he says sticking with Ten Kate for another season is also an appealing option.

"Honestly speaking I don’t know yet," said Baz of the possibility of a factory Yamaha move. "For sure we are talking with the factory team, we are also talking with Kervin [Bos], Ronald and Gerrit [Ten Kate] and I feel really good here.

"For sure there are some discussions, I would be happy to stay at Ten Kate and I would be happy to be in a factory team also. There are always positives and negatives."

Asked what could be the decisive factor in his decision-making, Baz replied: "It’s a package. It’s hard as a rider to say no to a factory team. You work all your career for the best bike, and the factory team is normally the one that can offer you the best combination.

"For sure I don’t think I will find another team with a relationship like I have with Ten Kate, it’s like being with family. But it’s the combination.

"It’s hard to say no to a factory team, but I told the guys in Ten Kate if I have an offer with a guarantee to have exactly the same bike as the factory team, I’m not scared to stay at this team and try and win with this team. I know we are able to, the people are good enough.

"But also it’s not easy with a private team to find the budget."

Baz said he expected to make a decision on his future before the Barcelona round of the championship later this month.

Loris Baz, Ten Kate Racing Yamaha

Loris Baz, Ten Kate Racing Yamaha

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

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