Tarran Mackenzie’s ordeal continues: Loris Baz steps in once again

Since his home race at Donington Park in mid-July, Tarran Mackenzie has been fighting to return to his Ducati V4R. The Scot crashed during the second free practice session and suffered fractures to his collarbone, shoulder blade and left tibia and fibula. Two months later, the 30-year-old attempted a comeback, but his plans were thwarted by race doctor Monica Lazzarotti, who declared him unfit to race.

In Cremona, Mackenzie did not even attempt to race, citing delays in the healing of his bones as the reason. His Optical Express team subsequently signed Loris Baz as his replacement. The Frenchman had already ridden for the team in 2022 and 2023, back then on a BMW. During his stopgap stint in Italy, the 33-year-old put in a solid performance, finishing 15th, 15th and 14th.

Now the German Ducati team has surprised everyone with the news that Mackenzie will also miss this coming weekend’s race at Estoril and the season finale at Jerez. “Further examinations have shown that Tarran Mackenzie is not yet ready to return, and he will sit out the last two races of the season. Loris Baz will take over his Ducati Panigale V4 R at Estoril and Jerez. We wish Tarran a speedy and full recovery!”

Unlike in Cremona, Baz is familiar with the circuits at Estoril and Jerez. His best result at the Portuguese circuit is a ninth place from 2020. In the same year, he finished fourth in Spain.

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