Laurent Baz is the definition of an automotive enthusiast. From his personal life to his professional life, Laurent’s passions have always been whatever has an engine and tires.
A product developer for Ford Middle East, working in the automotive industry wasn’t by happenstance for Laurent. He joined Ford in 2015 working as a product marketing manager, served a short stint in FCSD and then transitioned to product development a few years ago.
Working in PD has come naturally to Laurent, as his knowledge and love for engineering and vehicle development extends far past his career with Ford.
“I used to race cars,” Laurent said. “I used to prepare the cars I raced myself. From installing components, to setup to final tuning. In PD, I am still very close to that environment since we discuss engineering issues and potential solutions for programs and regions.”
Before working with Ford, Laurent was an active competitor in a range of vehicles races and settings for years. He raced in notorious competitions including the Peugeot 206RC at the Dubai Autodrome, where he won two seasons in a row. He partook in a four-day rally in his native country, Lebanon, and he even competed in a classic car race, finishing third behind the wheel of a ’66 VW Beetle, which he maintained himself.
After getting married and having his first child, Laurent decided it was time to stop getting behind the wheel. But his love for racing was still embedded in every facet of his being, so he decided to explore a different route.
“I started working with FIA [Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile] offices around the region, updating regulations, road books, stewarding, and scrutineering,” Laurent said. “I also wrote the first ever Middle East drift regulations, working exclusively with the FIA representative office in Lebanon and the UAE.”
After the pandemic struck and racing events were suspended, Laurent was, once again, faced with figuring out another direction to pursue his passion. That’s when he found photography.
As a resident of Motor City, Dubai Autodrome was at his doorstep. “Being so close granted me easy access on weekends for track events,” he said.
His pursuit for success in this industry wasn’t an easy journey. Even after many hours of practice, Laurent had to endure countless learning curves and challenges.
“Some of the hardest days were when I had to shoot outside during the brutal UAE summers,” he said. “Some days can hit 50 degrees Celsius here, which makes for a difficult day.”
Regardless of the stifling heat and frustrations, Laurent remained steadfast in his pursuit to master his craft and technique.
“One day, I started receiving unexpected phone calls and messages to shoot participants and even cover racing teams during the UAE winter,” says Laurent.
After securing a UAE trade license, under the name Lorenzo Shoots, Laurent has spent the past few years covering a range of races, including the infamous 24-hour race in Dubai and the six-hour race in Abu Dhabi. He also frequents the complete local season of touring cars, radicals, and motorcycles.
From a simple hobby, Laurent has developed photography into a true passion project that has taken him further than he even thought possible – even onto other continents.
“I’ve done a couple of shoots for the World Motocross Championship for juniors and the Redbull Romaniacs in Romania.”
Laurent’s story is a testament to the power of commitment and pursuing one’s passion. You can find Laurent’s photos on his website lorenzoshoots.com.