WorldSBK Indonesia: Track debuts for Laverty, Baz

Bonovo BMW’s Eugene Laverty and Loris Baz will make their Mandalika WorldSBK debuts this weekend after missing the inaugural race in 2022.

The team didn’t go to any flyaway rounds last season due to cost but this year both its M1000RR pilots will turn a wheel at the new circuit.

“Neither Loris nor I raced at Mandalika last season. So, the first hurdle will be to get to know the track on Friday,” said Laverty, who will retire after Phillip Island.

“The second hurdle will possibly be the weather, but we will take it as it comes. We finish the season with two back-to-back events, and after Mandalika we go straight to Phillip Island.

“I love Phillip Island and it has a very special place in my heart because that is where I took my last win in WorldSBK. There could not be a better place to end my racing career.”

Baz added: “I hope we can finish the 2022 season strong. First, we are off to Mandalika, and I am really looking forward to getting to know a new track. Plus, I know how much the Indonesians people love racing, so I cannot wait to get there.

“Then we will continue our journey to the best race track in the world. I always have loved racing at Phillip Island. Of course, it is going to be a bit more special as these are the last two race weekends of Eugene’s WorldSBK career. We will do everything we can to finish the season successfully and enjoy these two weeks.”