News 19 Mar 2018

Bayliss reflecting on positives in consistent Wakefield Park affair

Ducati rider content with race fitness at the demanding Goulburn circuit.

Image: Russell Colvin.

Desmosport Ducati’s Troy Bayliss is highlighting the positives of his consistent fifth place performance at Wakefield Park’s second round of the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK), as he continues to come to grips with his 1299 Panigale R Final Edition.

Following a stellar opening round at Phillip Island, Bayliss pieced together a 6-5 scorecard to now position himself fourth in the series standings.

Declaring that he’s still having difficulties with the rear of the bike on the exit of turns, the three-time world superbike champion is satisfied with his race fitness in what is his comeback campaign in the domestic championship.

“In the end I’m happy to come away from the weekend like we did,” Bayliss reflected. “In qualifying we went backwards a little bit compared to Friday afternoon, but anyway the races were good and I was strong off the starts, which was good.

“It was pretty consistent, but we are having some problems with the rear of the bike still on the exit of the turns – basically it’s a bit loose and a handful to ride around a place like this.

“In general I’m happy though, satisfied with my fitness because this is such a physical track and it was difficult conditions that we raced in. I thought we would have been a bit better, but we’ll move on, keep on working away and aim to improve for the next one.”

The next round of the series will level out the playing field, as it’s set to be hosted at the all-new The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia on 19-22 April.

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