The name Troy Bayliss has remained at the forefront of motorcycle racing since his retirement as reigning WorldSBK champion at the end of 2008, actively involved with Ducati, also in the revival of well-publicised flat track competition in Australia, plus more projects including taking over the ASBK management later this year.

But at 45, fans were treated to one last showing from Bayliss on the world stage last year when he was a late stand-in for the injured Davide Giugliano on the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike Team at Phillip Island’s WorldSBK opener.

A crash while testing on the Monday in preparation for last February’s race sidelined Giugliano, almost instantly prompting speculation that Bayliss would make a rare comeback of sorts come the race weekend. Which is exactly what happened as he jetted from his Gold Coast home to Melbourne in time for Friday’s opening practice.

“I want to start by saying that I really feel for Davide and that it’s a real shame for his season to be starting this way,” Troy said at the time. “The desire to be able to return to the track and see my home crowd and the Ducatisti has always been strong, ever since I last raced and then also to race at Phillip Island, one of my favourite tracks as they celebrate 25 years of World Superbikes.

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“This gave me the idea to compete as a wildcard and work with the Ducati Superbike technicians once again. I know it’s going to be a very difficult weekend, also because it’s a while since I’ve ridden the Superbike but I do know the track well and so hope to get back into it after a few laps. I’ll try to enjoy myself and will of course do my best to score a good result and put on a good show for the fans.”

Bayliss was quickly up to speed despite his rivals taking part in the pre-season test just days earlier, clocking a flying 1m33.201s lap in Superpole to slot the Panigale R into 13th on the grid. It was a promising beginning in under 50 laps on the factory race bike.

“Today was certainly an improvement over yesterday,” Bayliss explain post-qualifying. “I’ve had time to get some good laps in and have felt a lot better on the bike. I did have a crash in the free practice, it was a big highside but I landed okay and was fortunately unhurt.

“I was a little disappointed to not have the chance to participate in the shootout, but I’m still happy because I haven’t used the qualifying tyre for such a long time and you need time to build confidence with those tyres.

“I’m confident that we’ll be able to make further improvement tomorrow. The high temperatures forecast for tomorrow will definitely be a factor, but it’s the same for everyone so we’ll just have to see what we can do.”

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On Sunday Bayliss 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 reflected. “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 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.

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“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.”

Bayliss went on to compete in Thailand’s second round, taking home ninth and 11th place finishes after being docked a position in race one for passing under a yellow flag, before he hung up his helmet for good. For fans of the Australian hard-charger it was a memorable