Bayliss looking to secure WSB crown in Vallelunga
Added on Tuesday, September 16th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Bayliss looking to secure WSB crown in Vallelunga
Troy Bayliss could be crowned as the World Superbikes champion this weekend at Vallelunga this weekend as he heads into the final three rounds of his career.
The Australian, who will retire at the end of the season, currently holds a 101 point advantage over compatriot Tory Corser with a maximum of just 150 points available before the season’s close and is odds-on favourite to sign-off from motorcycle racing as world champion.
Also in title contention are German Max Neukirchner, Spaniard Carlos Checa and Japan’s Noriyuki Haga – the man tipped to replace Bayliss at Ducati next season.
To claim a third title, Bayliss just needs to maintain that advantage in the two races in Italy this weekend and a repeat of last season’s first and second place finishes at the same circuit would be enough to do just that.
“It is very strange to think that I only have three races left before I conclude my Superbike career,” said the two-time champion. “I’m trying not to think about the fact that I could sew things up at Vallelunga, I’ll just be going out there and giving it my all as I have done every weekend until now and see what happens!
“Everything went well here last year so I’m hoping to have a similarly successful weekend again this year.”
Bayliss’ teammate Michel Fabrizio goes to Vallelunga with more modest aspirations, with the ninth-placed rider looking to put on a good performance at his home Grand Prix.
“Of course I want to do well in front of my home crowd,” said Fabrizio. “A lot of family and friends will be coming along to see me race too so I hope to be able to have two great races.
“Last year could have gone better, my final results were a 5th and a DNF, so I’d like to improve on that now I’m aboard the Ducati F08. I also want to wish my team-mate Troy good luck for Sunday’s races!”
