Source: Phillip Island Circuit.

Three-time Superbike World Champion Troy Bayliss said he felt like a “boxer coming out of retirement” at Phillip Island’s season-opening round in a guest ride for the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike Team.

Bayliss, 45, was as high as seventh in both races, but faded to finish 13th in the opener and had to enter the pits in race two to change a blistered rear tyre and was out of the points in 16th.

“It’s been a strange one to come back after so many years,” Bayliss beamed. “I did this comeback for a lot of reasons and in the end I made some really good progress.

“But still, I am actually a little bit pissed off, which proves that I am still a racer! To run with the guys I felt really good, but we had some problems with the tyre – Phillip Island can really do that.”

Bayliss said he found it difficult to retire at the top when he stopped as world champion at the end of 2008, so his short-lived comeback was a real thrill over the past three days.

“I was basically depressed for two years,” he continued. “But now, after today, I know I can still be fast. I’m feeling a real mix of emotions at the end of the weekend. I came here to have fun and for the fans and the Phillip Island Circuit.

“I thought that maybe I wouldn’t have the pace to be able to run with these guys anymore, but instead I’ve seen that I can still be fast and, if it hadn’t been for the tyre issue, I think I could have done a lot more.

“So I don’t know, it’s a pity I didn’t have more time on track, and I didn’t have time to train properly ahead of the event of course, but all in all it’s been a really fun weekend, and in many ways it feels like nothing has changed since 2008.”

Bayliss set a best lap of 1m32.117s after only three days on the Panigale R, which was only 0.4 seconds slower than the fastest lap of the day set by his Ducati sidekick Chaz Davies.

“I was pushing hard, but maybe not enough time on the bike to find a set-up that really suits me,” he added. “Chaz had the same tyre as me and did a great job on it, but in the end it’s all swings and roundabouts.

“Overall I had a great time riding with everyone and I congratulate the top guys on riding so well. I thank Ducati for giving me the opportunity and also all of the fans and ‘ducatisti’ for their continued support.”