Bayliss Expecting Tougher Challenge
Added on Thursday, April 24th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Bayliss Expecting Tougher Challenge
World Superbike Championship leader Troy Bayliss believes that the chasing pack is ready to mount their championship challenge, starting at Assen this weekend.
The Australian is currently enjoying a 48-point lead over second-placed Fonsi Nieto in the WSB championship after three wins, two seconds and a fourth place finish in the opening three meetings of the season and currently lies 84 points ahead of the much-fancied Max Biaggi.
But Bayliss, who is looking for a third world superbike title, believes that the current gap does not tell the full story as to how competitive the championship is.
“It’s a bit strange to have such a points lead so early on, but a few of the other riders have had a slow start and from now on in I think it’s going to be more consistently difficult. I’m still treating every session the same way, working as hard as possible to improve the bike and feel more comfortable on it, and then we see how we are on race day.”
Bayliss returns to Assen this weekend with an impressive record, having won four times at the Dutch circuit which is also where he managed to claim his first ever world Superbike title.
And the 39-year-old believes that recent track alterations will only benefit him as he looks to continue that strong record.
“I like the track how it is now. Before it was more flowing and a lot more physical, and this track now is less so, so I can say I actually prefer it now,” Bayliss said.
“Assen has always made for great racing, on the old and new track. I’ve had some good battles there. It’s also a track where tyre issues come into play. You can afford to sit back and wait but it depends on the day, how everyone is riding, and on the unpredictable weather conditions.”
