Source: Supplied.

Frenchman Loris Baz will line up with the Althea BMW Racing Team for the 2018 Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK).

Baz, 24, will return to WorldSBK for the first time since 2014 when he rode for the factory Kawasaki team, finishing fifth in the standings.

“I wanted to find the best solution for my future and I think I have found this in team Althea,” Baz commented. “I have known team owner Genesio Bevilacqua for a long time, so we talked and, to be honest, it was very easy to come to an agreement.

“I know the team is strong – they won the title with Carlos Checa after-all – and I consider the project a very interesting one, also in light of the changes to the regulation, so I’m very happy with my decision. I am looking forward to getting out on track with the S1000RR for the first time during the upcoming Jerez tests.”

During his three-straight seasons in MotoGP, Baz claimed a best result of 17th with Forward Racing Yamaha in 2015. This year he was credited 18th as part of the Avintia Racing Ducati organisation, picking up a best result of eighth at Assen.