Troy Bayliss Rules Out Return to Racing

Three time World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss confirmed he will continue his collaboration with Ducati in testing, following a very successful session at Mugello this week. The Australian rider was drafted by the Italian manufacturer earlier this week and asked to give his input on the new Desmosesedici GP9, in order to boost its performances in the MotoGP.

So far, only works rider and 2007 champion Casey Stoner managed to bring the GP9 on top of the classification, while the other 4 competitors using Ducati machineries in the MotoGP are yet to score a podium. Team manager Livio Suppo therefore turned to highly-experienced Bayliss for making the bike more rider-friendly for the remaining rounds of the 2009 season.

While ruling out a MotoGP comeback, Bayliss admitted he looks forward to helping Ducati some more this season, in testing.

“I've had three good days during which I've felt like a rider again. 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,” said Bayliss.

“Having said that, I have had fun and I hope at the same time that I've been of use to (technical director) 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.”

“Now I'll stay home for a while but later in June or July I'll be back in Europe for a few weeks. I will probably test the bike again during that time, I don't know exactly when, but I am very happy to play a part in this project,” added the Australian rider.

Bayliss retired from motorcycle racing at the end of 2008, after clinching his 3rd WSBK title in career.