Haga confirmed as Bayliss replacement
Added on Tuesday, October 14th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Haga confirmed as Bayliss replacement
Noriyuki Haga has been confirmed as the man to replace Troy Bayliss at the Xerox Ducati team for 2009.
The Japanese rider, who makes the move from the Yamaha Motor Italia factory outfit, will join current Ducati rider Michel Fabrizio at the 2008 constructor’s champions as the replacement for current champion Troy Bayliss, who has retired after winning a third World Superbikes Championship.
Haga has yet to win a World Superbikes championship despite coming close on several occasions, having twice been runner-up and 3rd in the series three times but Ducati Corse Superbike manager Davide Tardozzi believes that the 33-year-old can change his fortunes with the Ducati.
“I am very proud to be able to welcome Noriyuki”, commented Tardozzi,
“We are convinced he is one of the strongest and best loved of the Superbike riders, a talented and courageous man. He is a rider that has proved that he never gives up, in the true spirit of Ducati, and is a rider with the credentials to fill the place that Troy Bayliss vacates.
“Haga will, for the first time, ride a factory Ducati, and I am certain that he will win over the Ducatisti fans and bring great satisfaction.
“We are very proud to have him in next year’s squad together with Michel. They are two fantastic riders and we will do everything to ensure that they can achieve the great results that everyone hopes are possible.”
