Source: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has drafted in Loris Baz for this weekend’s grand prix at Silverstone, replacing injured athlete Pol Espargaro.

Spaniard Espargaro has been advised by doctors to rest as he battles through collarbone and back injuries sustained at Brno’s stop of the MotoGP World Championship, while regular test rider Mika Kallio has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

The Austrian team brought in Randy de Puniet as a stand-in test rider, although he’s elected not to race before testing the RC16 machine, ultimately opening up the opportunity for former MotoGP rider Baz to contest this weekend’s round.

“Pol was hoping to ride but his recovery still needs a bit of time,” said Baz. “I would therefore like to wish him a speedy recovery. My manager informed me about this opportunity on Monday afternoon and the agreement was reached very quickly. I would like to thank Genesio Bevilacqua from team Althea BMW Racing for allowing me to race at Silverstone.

“A huge thanks to him because without his permission it would not have been possible. I am pleased that KTM thought about me, because it is a big team. I will make the most of it, enjoy it and try to have a good weekend. I am not setting myself any objectives. I will see people I have previously worked with in MotoGP.

“This is an official team and I am going to do my best to help the team in Pol’s absence. I think there is no better way to prepare myself for the remainder of the WorldSBK season!”

After three years in the premier class, the Frenchman made the switch to the Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) with the Gulf Althea BMW Racing Team.