i think someone told us this was coming....... https://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2022/Baldassarri and GMT94 Yamaha move up to WorldSBK for 2023 More detailed story - https://www.yamaha-racing.com/world...step-up-to-worldsbk-with-lorenzo-baldassarri/
Not sure why the face, I think it a good move for both. He produced results on the Kawi, so maybe he's one of the (many) riders who can't adapt to the BMW.
I'd rather see a young gun out of BSB in that seat. I'd *really* love to see someone from MA make the jump but that's (unfortunately) unrealistic. BSB is at least reasonable.
I get the sentiment, I think as spectators, we have this wish for the fairytale where some bright-eyed bushy-tailed rookie gets his first real chance from some team principal who has been scouting him, and he makes good on his opportunity. In reality though, most satellite teams aren't looking to develop talent (except the attached teams like GRT who give up some control in exchange for better support). They're looking for the lowest salary to bring in the most sponsor dollars, and the higher your finishing place, the more dollars. When a dude like Sykes comes up for cheap, who's probably knows that bike better than the team does, you don't really pass that up.
If Danilo does indeed decide to sign with the Barni team, I'd like to see Warhorse bring over Bulega from WSS. He's physically the right size for a SBK, has had experience on the V2 Pani now and has experience in the GP paddock. Also be cool if young Oli Bayliss got the opportunity. From the current MA paddock there's very few riders I can see that'd fit all the criteria to get that ride AND do well with it. If the ink hasn't dried on the Tytlers deal for Beaubier I think he'd be the obvious choice.