Avintia Racing rider Loris Baz suffered a big crash on the opening lap of the subsequently-aborted first start to the British GP, as the Frenchman avoided Danilo Petrucci (Octo Pramac Yakhnich) and then collided with Pol Espargaro (Monster Yamaha Tech 3). With initial reports stating the Frenchman had suffered concussion but was otherwise uninjured, further investigation has shown some fractures in the French rider's right foot and ankle. Although no surgery will be required, some rest is needed to help the injury heal, and Baz will therefore not be able to compete in the upcoming race at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.
In his place, World Superbike's Barni Racing Team rider Xavi Fores will be on track as he swaps his Panigale R in the WorldSBK paddock for the Avintia Ducati in MotoGP™ at another home race for the Italian manufacturer.
Loris Baz: "It's a real shame and something I wasn't expecting, but once I arrived in Switzerland I had an x-ray and they found some fractures in my right foot. The two main ones are in my talus bone and at the bottom of my tibia. It can't be operated on, it needs time and rest. Therefore it will be impossible to race in Misano. But I still consider myself lucky to not have suffered anything worse in the crash at Silverstone. It's really bad for the team because we were doing really well and getting better and better. It's a shame, but I'll try and come back as soon as possible to finish the season the best I can. It has been another setback after what happened in Mugello, but I have to be positive and look forward. I hope Xavi enjoys it a lot this weekend. MotoGP machines are incredible and I'm sure he'll do great. As well as that, he has an amazing team, and I'll be there to try and give him some good advice. I'm sure he'll enjoy it!"
Xavi Fores: “I'm very happy that Avintia Racing have given me this opportunity. I'm sure it's going to be a great experience. My intention is just to enjoy it as much as I can, leave pressure at home and not go out there with anything to prove, because it's a completely different bike to what I've ridden so far. We need to be aware that everything is going to be new to me and I just want to enjoy it! As with every rider, the chance to get on a MotoGP bike is gratifying, and I think this weekend I will have a great experience. It will be important to not make any mistakes and to not hurt myself because soon I'll be back on track with WorldSBK in Germany. So I will treat this weekend like a private test, and try and enjoy riding a MotoGP bike. Misano is also a circuit that I like, that we recently visited in WorldSBK and at which I got some of my best results of the World Superbike season. That makes it the ideal place to start work with an unknown bike. I want to thank Avintia Racing for the chance, Ducati, and especially my team Barno Racing for letting me race. And of course, I wish Loris a quick recovery - I promise I will look after your Ducati!"