Bayliss Back on Track at Mugello Ducati Test
Three time and reigning World Superbike Champion, Troy Bayliss, took to the track yesterday for the first time since the Ducati 1198 launch in Portimao. It also marked the first time the recently retired Australian had ridden a MotoGP bike since his stunning 2006 victory in the last race of the 990cc era.
The outing was part of a planned test at Mugello for Bayliss to help with development of the carbon fiber framed GP9 racer which has proved difficult to ride competitively for all but 2007 World Champion Casey Stoner. It marked the first ride for Bayliss on the smaller 800cc machine but he was clearly impressed.
“This is literally the first time I’ve ridden a motorcycle since we unveiled the 1198 after the end of last season at Portimao”, said the Australia rider. “It was nice to shake off a bit of rust and with Mugello being such a physical circuit it was a good workout! The last time I rode a GP machine was at Valencia, which was the 990cc, but the 800cc isn’t exactly lacking power and I just spent today getting a feel for it.
link: Soup
Testing continues Wednesday and Thursday.
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