Bayliss Concludes Ducati MotoGP Test on the Pace
Troy Bayliss concluded his first ride on an 800cc MotoGP machine with an impressive best time of 1:51.2 Thursday as the Ducati test session wrapped up. Bayliss clearly enjoyed himself but was quick to point out that he has no plans to return to racing but will likely test the GP9 machine again later this year.
Bayliss, the recently retired reigning World Superbike Champion was taking part in a planned test which was his first ride on a MotoGP machine since his victory in the final race of the 2006 season at Valencia. It was also his first ride on the smaller 800cc machine.
Despite this Bayliss was able to post impressive lap times with a best of 1:51.2 just ahead of Official GP test rider Vittoriano Guareschi who recorded a similar fastest time of 1:51.4 during the three days.
“I’ve had three good days during which I’ve felt like a rider again”, said a smiling Bayliss. “It didn’t take long to get back into it but, before anyone gets any ideas, I will also say that I’m happy to be heading back to the airport and towards Australia and home this evening: I have no intention of returning to racing! Having said that, I have had fun and I hope at the same time that I’ve been of use to Filippo (Preziosi). We worked each day on the bike and each day I was able to push harder, until I started to record some respectable times
link: The Official MotoGP Website
To put the Bayliss time in perspective, during last year’s race at Mugello, Ducati mounted Casey Stoner recorded the fastest lap of 1:50.0 and went on to finish second in the race (behind Valentino Rossi). His teammate at the time, Marco Melandri, who had an extremely troubled season on the Italian machine recorded the same time as Bayliss before crashing out of the race. Nicky Hayden, then Honda mounted, recorded a fastest time of 1:50.9 and finished in 13th place.
In summary, Bayliss posted a time that would have been equal to 13th fastest in 2008 during the actual race despite not having any previous experience on an 800cc MotoGP machine and last riding a 990cc machine in 2006.
Good on ya Troy!!
Want to Learn More?
Click for all ducatinewstoday content on Troy Bayliss
Click for all ducatinewstoday content on Nicky Hayden
Click for all ducatinrewstoday content on Casey Stoner
Try These Related Posts:
