Troy Bayliss at the final Portiao World Superbike race above, after clinching the titie 3 weeks before at Magny-Cpurs, rode in special World Championship livery. CLICK on any Photo to GO BIGGER

Troy Bayliss page 2
2008 World Superbike Championship Review & Interview
by FastDates.com and Team Ducati Corse

Troy Bayliss Triumphs to take his 3rd World Superbike Title
Ducat Celebrates its thirteenth Rider Title and Fifteenth Manufacturers title

Magny-Cours (France), Sunday 5th October 2008: By taking a third place finish in Race 1 and a fantastic race 2 win today at the “Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours”, Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) has this weekend been crowned with a remarkable third World Superbike title, powering his Ducati 1098 F08 to victory and snatching the title after round thirteen, despite there being one more round still to race at Portimao (Portugal).

With a total of 410 championship points, and having achieved nine race wins and sixteen podium finishes during the season, the Australian legend Bayliss has ridden the Ducati 1098 F08 factory machine into the record books, a winning bike in its debut season, a feat previously accomplished by Carl Fogarty with the 916 in 1994, and with the 996 in 1998 and by Neil Hodgson in 2003 with the 999.

Todays’ results also mean that Ducati has secured the manufacturer’s title, for the fifteenth time since the championship began in 1988. This means that in the last eighteen years, the Borgo-Panigale based firm has dominated the World Superbike series, to take the constructor’s title home on all but three occasions.

Troy started from third position on the grid and knew that to finish Race 1 with an advantage of at least 75 points over Corser, Haga and Neukirchner would be enough to take the title. He therefore rode an intelligent race, leaving Haga to lead while he concentrated on doing just enough to secure the necessary result. He remained in second place for the first nineteen laps before relinquishing that position to Nieto and eventually settling for third place on the podium. Meanwhile team-mate Michel Fabrizio rode a great race, moving up from ninth to third place, only to unfortunately crash out, unhurt, on the nineteenth lap.

In Race 2 Troy was able to ride with less pressure and thus raced for the win. Caught up in a great battle with an old adversary, Haga, Troy proved himself to be the most determined, crossing the line ahead of the Yamaha rider. Unfortunately Fabrizio suffered from technical problems that prevented him from fighting up front, eventually concluding the race in fourteenth place

39-year old Troy first celebrated a world title with Ducati in 2001, a season in which he dominated the racing on board the 996R, to finish with a 36-point advantage over second-placed rider Colin Edwards. In 2006, racing for the Ducati Xerox Team on board the Ducati 999, Troy’s twelve race wins and total of sixteen podium finishes secured him his second world title, a testimony to the incredible competitiveness of the Australian who won the championship by a clear margin of 95 points, ahead of James Toseland.

Bayliss will retire from Superbike racing at the end of the 2008 season, having accumulated over the years an awe-inspiring collection of 50 race wins, 92 podium finishes and 25 pole positions.

Troy Bayliss and Ducati Corse Superbike team manager Davide Tardozzi

Troy Bayliss (2008 World Superbike Champion – Ducati Xerox Team – Ducati 1098 F08)
“I’m extremely happy to have won my third world championship and to be able to say I have won on three different generations of the Ducati Superbike. I want to thank the entire team who have worked so hard and put a lot of trust in me. Together we have done a great job this season. These last years with Ducati, since 2000, have been a great experience for me. This whole year has been up and done, with several riders remaining consistently fast. From half way through the season we became more confident and so there was a lot of pressure but I’ve done what I set out to do, I really wanted to win on the three different Ducati Superbikes. It’s just a fantastic feeling. Now I have secured the title, I’m looking forward to enjoying the last round at the brand new track of Portimao, where I’m hoping I can finish the season on a high!”

Gabriele Del Torchio (CEO – Ducati Motor Holding)
“I am particularly happy and proud of this victory. Exactly one year ago the MotoGP win added a very important chapter to our history but this win demonstrates, for the fifteenth time, Ducati’s supremacy in competitions for production bikes such as SBK. A triumph that confirms the success of the product that is the 1098, a winner in it’s debut year, and a point of reference not just on track but also from the commercial and design points of view.

Troy is an icon of our brand, a true Ducatista, who demonstrates characteristics such as determination, intelligence, pride and competitiveness, bringing added value to our company and to our bikes. A rider that “never gives up”, he is the public’s favourite, it is impossible not to like him. He truly deserved to conclude his career triumphantly, with yet another win to add to the list, consolidating his position among the greats of motorcycling. Ducati owes a lot to Troy and he has always known how to repay the company, writing unforgettable pages of motorcycling history for us. Thanks again Troy, and a particular thanks also to the team, to Ducati Corse and all the Ducati employees who has each played their role to perfection to secure this fantastic result.”

Filippo Preziosi (General Director – Ducati Corse)
“Today Troy has given Ducati Corse an unforgettable gift, having now won the World Superbike Championship on three different bikes – the 998, 999 and 1098. On behalf of everybody in Ducati Corse I send a warm embrace to a rider that will remain forever in our hearts. My compliments also go to Davide (Tardozzi), to Ernesto (Marinelli) and to the whole team for the great job they’ve done.”

RESULTS: Race 1 – 1. Haga (Yamaha); 2. Nieto (Suzuki); 3. Bayliss (Ducati Xerox); Race 2 -  1. Bayliss (Ducati Xerox); 2. Haga (Yamaha); 3. Corser (Yamaha)
CLASSIFICATION: Riders – 1. Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) 410; 2. Haga (Yamaha) 325; 3. Corser (Yamaha) 316; 4. Neukirchner (Suzuki) 298; 5. Checa (Honda) 284; 6. Biaggi (Ducati) 235…. 8. Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox) 203; 26.Canepa (Ducati Xerox) 3. Constructors – Ducati 520; Yamaha 461; Suzuki 384; Honda 379; Kawasaki 82

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Ten Questions for Troy Bayliss 3-Time World Superbike Champion
Troy Bayliss at the End of his Racing Career

Team Ducati Corse Press Interview with Troy Bayliss, October 2008:

1. A THIRD WORLD TITLE, AND IN YOUR FINAL YEAR OF SUPERBIKE RACING, A DREAM RESULT?
Yes, a dream result for sure. For several reasons…. for the fact that it’s my third title, in what is my last year of Superbike racing; for the fact that I’ve now won on three different generations of Ducati Superbike; and for the fact that I win for the third time as part of such a fantastic Italian team. We came so close to tying it up at the last round at Vallelunga but it wasn’t to be, it’s been a rollercoaster ride emotionally speaking and so I’m extremely happy and relieved to have done it this weekend!

2. AND THE 1098 WINS IN IT’S VERY FIRST YEAR? HOW WAS IT AND HOW DID IT COMPARE TO YOUR PREVIOUS RACE BIKES?
The 1098 has been a fantastic bike, we’ve had to work a little on the settings throughout the year, but I can say that the bike and I have got on great together. Sitting on the bike, it’s not at all like the 999, but much closer to the older style Ducati bikes, more similar to the 996 or the 998.

3. WAS IT AS EASY AS IT LOOKED TO WIN THIS YEAR?
It may have looked easy but I’ve been up and down in the points, going up to 78 points and then back down to 28, then up to over a hundred, and back down after Vallelunga. So no, it wasn’t easy, it’s been a lot of hard work and although I’ve had some great races, I also had some little dramas. It just comes down to the fact that other riders have had more dramas than me I guess!

4. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE RACE MOMENT THIS SEASON?
High points? Well the double win in Phillip Island , then the double win in Brno was very special too as I hadn’t won there before, and of course to wrap up the championship here in Italy is a real highlight!

5. … AND THE LOWEST POINT?
The low point was Salt Lake City. It was a long way to go to not get the results! I was also frustrated and annoyed with myself for what happened at Vallelunga, I came so close!

6. DID YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS THAT YOU WOULD WIN? WAS ANYONE A REAL THREAT?
At the start of the year I was concerned about Max Biaggi, and also Neukirchner, Nori and Carlos but then as the year’s gone on, I’ve just got on with the racing and things have gone our way!

7. BEST MEMORIES OF RACING WITH DUCATI?
There are so many great memories that I could never single out just one. I’ve been with Ducati for 10 years and it’s been a career full of memorable moments. Winning each of the world titles that I’ve taken with the team were of course special times. Then the GP race in Valencia in 2006; the first time I won a British Superbike race; taking a British title in 1999; the first time I won a World Superbike race in 2000 in Hockenheim… The list is pretty endless really!

8. HOW WILL YOU CELEBRATE?
I don’t know really, as it’s a very strange feeling to win, knowing that you’ll be finished with the Superbike racing very soon. I have very mixed-up emotions right now.

9. A MESSAGE FOR YOUR FANS?
To the fans, who only see the racer Troy, and maybe don’t know me personally, I take this opportunity to say a huge thank-you for all their support over the years. Most of the support has come my way thanks to Ducati, from Ducatisti who love the bikes and the heritage, and who have become my fans as a result. I thank you all for the memories.

10. WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE LEGEND THAT IS TROY BAYLISS?
Well the only certainty for now is that I’ll be moving back to Australia in the next few months, taking the family back home. Having spent the last 10 years here in Europe and in Monaco, Kim and I have decided that the time is right to take the children home. Apart from that, there are no concrete plans for the moment. I will stay involved with Ducati in some way, after our long history it would be impossible to cut myself off from racing completely. So I’m sure I’ll be showing up at some Ducati events and keeping in touch with everyone. I’m sure I won’t disappear altogether!

Troy Bayliss at the final Portiao World Superbike race with wife Kim and his Ducati Corse team, but missing team manager Davide Tardozzi. CLICK on any Photo to GO BIGGER

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TROY's 2008
CHAMPIONSHIP SUMMARY

RACE 1 – LOSAIL (QATAR)
Saturday 23rd February: Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) stormed to victory on board the Ducati 1098 F08 in the opening race of the 2008 World Superbike Championship, a spectacular result for the team and a significant maiden win for the new F08 machine. Bayliss then narrowly missed out on a podium place in race 2, finishing fourth just ahead of team-mate Fabrizio.

RACE 2 – PHILLIP ISLAND (AUSTRALIA)
Sunday 2nd March: an incredible day for the Ducati Xerox Team with both Bayliss and Fabrizio performing impeccably. Twice world-champion Troy Bayliss took the double win in front of his home crowd, in what is to be his last ever Superbike race day at Phillip Island. Despite the elbow injury he sustained the day before in a high-side, Bayliss rode the two races perfectly, leading the field from the start in Race 1 (restart) and leading for most of Race 2 after rival Corser crashed out in the early stages.

RACE 3 – VALENCIA (SPAIN)
Sunday 6th April: Australian Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) increased his championship lead in Valencia after taking an impressive second place finish in Race 1 and then repeating that performance again in Race 2. Towards the end of Race 1 Troy was lying in fourth place but due to the unexpected crash between frontrunners Neukirchner and Checa in the very final stages, he took a very useful 20 points. In Race 2, a strong start put Bayliss immediately ahead of the pack but a hard battle against Haga ensued and ultimately Bayliss relinquished the win to the Yamaha rider.

RACE 4 – ASSEN (HOLLAND)
Sunday 27th April: Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) celebrated victory once more as he climbed on to the top step of the podium in both of the races at Assen. Troy and his Ducati 1098 F08 dominated both races, although the Australian rider faced something of a battle against Yamaha rider Haga in the second outing this afternoon. A perfect finish to a weekend in which Bayliss was consistently strong, and these wins, his fourth and fifth of the eight races held so far this season, meant that his lead in the riders championship was extended to 70 points.

RACE 5 – MONZA (ITALY)
Sunday 11th May 2008: As Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) himself predicted, the Monza races consisted of hard fought battles. Despite a DNF in Race 2, a third place finish in Race 1 means that Troy and his Ducati 1098 F08 have nonetheless further increased the championship lead.

RACE 6 - SALT LAKE CITY (USA)
Sunday 1st June: Unfortunately the races at the Miller circuit were not so lucky for Ducati Xerox rider Troy Bayliss who, having made a blistering start to both Race 1 and Race 2, came off during lap four of the first race and completed Race 2 in 22nd position after a technical problem. Troy Bayliss still leads the championship however with 194 points.

RACE 7 – NUERBURGRING (GERMANY)
Sunday 15th June: unstable weather conditions made for two interesting races. Race 1 was restarted due to rain, but then subsequently declared a dry race, and saw Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) caught up in a fantastic battle for victory against Yamaha rider Noriyuki Haga. Haga eventually took the win with Bayliss coming home in second. In Race 2, Bayliss again made a strong start and fought hard to take eventual fourth place. Troy Bayliss further increased his championship lead, now holding 227 points.

RACE 8 – MISANO (SAN MARINO)
Sunday 29th June: Both Race 1 and 2 at the Misano World Circuit saw a hard fought battle between several of the Ducatis, both factory and privateer, the two factory Yamahas and the Suzuki of Neukirchner, with Ducati Xerox factory rider Troy Bayliss eventually taking two third places on the podium.

RACE 9 – BRNO (CZECH REPUBLIC)
Sunday 20th July: a thrilling race day for the Ducati Xerox Team as Troy Bayliss stormed to victory, to take his maiden win at this particular track in Race 1 before following it up with another win in Race 2. Troy Bayliss' achievements here at Brno have rewarded him with 50 additional championship championship points, and so he now leads with 309 points.

RACE 10 – BRANDS HATCH (UK)
Sunday 3rd August 2008: despite typically unsettled British weather Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) took a second place finish in Race 1 to increase his overall points advantage after ten rounds of the World Superbike championship. A restarted Race 1, due to the onset of rain, was dominated by Bayliss from the start. Although Troy was able to hold off a battling Kiyonari for the majority of the race, the young Japanese rider finally passed Troy who, suffering by that stage from rear tyre wear, had to settle for second place. In Race 2, Troy again made a great start, leading for the first few laps before the same tyre issue saw him fall gradually back through the field to take an eventual eleventh place finish.

RACE 11 - DONINGTON (EUROPE)
Sunday 7th September 2008: Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) and his Ducati F08 achieved a fantastic victory at Donington Park, one of the only international tracks at which he had until now failed to take a Superbike win. Race 1 was red flagged after just nine laps, then restarted, and Troy battled it out at the front against wild-card Suzuki rider Sykes to ultimately reign supreme. Race 2 was declared wet just minutes from the start, with heavy rain that then eased off as the race progressed. Bayliss was once more up front from the start, this time up against Kiyo and wild-card Crutchlow, but then the Australian legend lost the rear and came off in lap 11, unable to continue the race due to damage to his F08. Bayliss has increased his championship lead by a significant number of points, holding 359 points and an 101 point advantage over second-placed rider Corser.

RACE 12 – VALLELUNGA (ITALY)
Sunday 21st September 2008: In Race 1, and despite a strong start, Troy Bayliss held the lead for just a lap before the chasing pack started to create problems for the Australian, overtaking him one by one. The 24-lap race was characterised by a battle at the front between Haga, Biaggi and Corser, all strong riders at this track last year too. An anomaly with his tyres meant that Troy and his Ducati F08 were unable to catch the leaders and he was forced to settle for eventual sixth position. Bayliss needed to finish Race 2 just five points ahead of Corser to take the title. He made another flying start and held the lead for the first five laps, before Haga passed him for the first time. Bayliss and Haga then battled it out for first place while a hungry Fabrizio chased Corser in a battle for third. Fabrizio was aware of the situation and knew that, in taking Corser, he would not only finish on the podium but also help his team-mate Bayliss to take the title. On the final lap Fabrizio achieved his goal, only to see team-mate Bayliss crash out a couple of corners later. Bayliss picked up his bike to complete the race in sixteenth position.

RACE 13 – MAGNY-COURS (FRANCE)
Sunday 5th October 2008: Today Troy started from third position on the grid and knew that to finish Race 1 with an advantage of at least 75 points over Corser, Haga and Neukirchner would be enough to take the title. He therefore rode an intelligent race, leaving Haga to lead while he concentrated on doing just enough to secure the necessary result. He remained in second place for the first nineteen laps before relinquishing that position to Nieto and eventually settling for third place on the podium. Meanwhile team-mate Michel Fabrizio rode a great race, moving up from ninth to third place, only to unfortunately crash out, unhurt, on the nineteenth lap.

In Race 2 Troy was able to ride with less pressure and thus raced for the win. Caught up in a great battle with an old adversary, Haga, Troy proved himself to be the most determined, crossing the line ahead of the Yamaha rider. Unfortunately Fabrizio suffered from technical problems that prevented him from fighting up front, eventually concluding the race in fourteenth place.

RACE 14 – PORTIMAO (PORTUGAL)
Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) today took part in his last ever Superbike races at the all-new and exciting Autodromo Internacional do Algarve race track in Portugal, triumphing in both Race 1 and Race 2 on board his Ducati 1098 F08, taking in dominant style the 51st and 52nd Superbike wins of his career, his third double win of the 2008 season.

Troy Bayliss, three times World Superbike champion in 2001, 2006 and 2008 today retires from Superbike racing and celebrates a career that has seen him tally up a total of 52 race wins and 26 poles over nine seasons, 11 of the race wins achieved during this 2008 season. He concludes the 2008 season with an 118-point advantage over second-placed rider and fellow Australian Troy Corser 9Yamaha Italia). Ducati, who took the manufacturers title at the last round in Magny-Cours, finish with an 83 point advantage over second-placed constructor Yamaha.

In Race 1 Troy got a flying start and led from the start. The chasing pack fought it out behind him, allowing Troy to build up a significant lead and, although tyre wear was beginning to affect his performance in the final stages, no-one could catch the Australian champion and he thus took a comfortable win. Unfortunately Ducati Xerox team-mate Michel Fabrizio came off in the opening lap, ending his race before it ever really began.

Race 2 again saw Troy get off to a blistering start and, with his bike set-up in such a way that he later declared it to be the best bike he has ever ridden, he could do no wrong, winning his 11th race of the 2008 season, the 52nd win of his Superbike career. The success of Race 2 tasted all the sweeter due to team-mate Michel Fabrizio's second place finish, his seventh podium place of the season. Michel quickly progressed from tenth to third position in the early stages and moved up by default to second position when Xaus fell during lap 9.