Source: Ducati Corse.

Triple Superbike World Champion Troy Bayliss sees the series’ debut at Thailand as a leveler at the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike Team, after missing vital pre-season testing at Phillip Island.

Bayliss was called into the Phillip Island round at the 11th hour when Italian Davide Giugliano was injured during testing in the lead-up to the race weekend, putting the Aussie on the back-foot when he entered Friday practice without any test laps.

With a full race weekend under his belt at Phillip Island and the Chang International Circuit new to all riders and teams, round two offers an increased chance for Bayliss to shine in his comeback to the sport.

“Firstly I’d like to thank the team for giving me another chance to ride the Panigale R,” Bayliss commented. “I’m excited to get back on track and at what is a brand new circuit for everyone, so we’ll all start on a level playing field.

“I’ve been training hard in recent weeks and am feeling well prepared for the challenge. I can’t wait to get started.”

Bayliss, despite very little time on track with the new Panigale R, closed race one at Phillip Island inside the points with a fighting 13th place finish.