Loris Baz forced to miss Misano race, Xavi Fores will replace him
Avintia Racing rider Loris Baz undergone several test yesterday at the Hospital de la Tour in Merin, Switzerland. And unfortunately the results obtained by Dr. Finn Malher were not positive, Loris Baz has two fractures on his right foot, and he is forced to miss the Grand Prix of San Marino this weekend. At Silverstone, after the massive crash with Pol Espargaró, the Doctors only could see a sprained ankle after the X-Rays, but following a scanner and MRI at the Swiss hospital, they found one fracture on the lower part of the tibia and another on the astragalus of his right foot, in addition to several bruises and small pieces of bone plus some damaged tendons. They can not intervene surgically, and the doctor have inmovilizaed the leg and he will have to take rest, so Loris won’t race at Misano on Sunday.
With just two days ahead the start of Grand Prix of San Marino, Avintia Racing team decided to give a chance to the Spaniard Xavi Fores. This will be possible thanks to Ducati and Barni Racing team, and 30 year old Valencian rider will join his friend Hector Barberá this weekend. And he will have the taste of MotoGP for the first time. Fores knows Misano circuit really well and he got his best WSBK result last June, when he was fourth after starting from the first row of the grid.
Loris Baz
“It is a real shame the news I got once I came to visit my Doctors in Switzerland, and I didn’t expected. But after several test, they saw some fractures on my right foot. The main fractures are on my tibia and astragalus. There not possible surgery and now is just time and rest. So I’m forced to miss Misano race. Anyway, I still fortunate not having serious injuries following the crash at Silverstone. I feel bad and sorry for my team, because we were coming back and improving in the last few races. It’s a shame, but I’ll try my best to come back as soon as possible and finish the year in the best possible way. This was another hard blow in my season after the one from Mugello, but I have to be positive and look forward. I wish Xavi to enjoy this weekend. MotoGP bikes are incredible, and I’m sure he’ll enjoy a lot. He’ll also have a great team behind, and I’ll be there in case he needs any advice. Sure he won’t forget the experience.”
Xavi Forés
“I’m really happy for this opportunity with the Avintia Racing team. I’m sure this will be a positive experience for me. My aim is to enjoy the maximum and leave the pressure at home. I have nothing to demonstrate, the bike is completely different to anything I’ve ridden before. I have to be clever because everything will be new for me, so I only want to enjoy. Riding a MotoGP bike is a dream for every rider, and I’m looking forward to start the weekend to enjoy and live the experience. It will be crucial not to make any mistake and don’t get hurt, because I have to race in Germany next week with my WSBK team. I’ll use this weekend like a training session before my next race, and I’ll try to enjoy as much as possible riding the MotoGP bike. Misano is one of my favourite circuits and there I got my best results so far this season in WSBK. So it is the best possible scenario to start to work with an unknown bike. I what to say big thanks to Avintia Racing, Ducati and specially my team, Barni Racing for letting me race. And I also want to wish Loris a fast recovery. Keep calm, I’ll take care of your BabyDesmo.”