Bayliss does the double in Portugal
Added on Sunday, November 2nd, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Bayliss does the double in Portugal
World Champion Troy Bayliss signed off from the WSB series in style with an emphatic double win at the new Portimao circuit in Portugal today.
Bayliss won race one by over 2 seconds from Carlos Checa with Troy Corser in third place. Britain’s Jonathan Rea was top Brit in 4th place, whilst Leon Haslam was in 7th.
Race two proved more interesting for British fans, as Bayliss once again disappeared into the distance. Rea battled hard with Ruben Xaus for 2nd spot, eventually getting shuffled back to 5th, as Fabrizio mounted a bit of a push through the field.
Meanwhile Leon Haslam worked his way steadily up the order in the second half of the race, eventually claiming 3rd place at the flag, just inching ahead of Neukirchener. Michel Fabrizio was in 2nd place, with Bayliss over three and a half seconds in the lead at the flag on his Ducati 1098R, proving age is barrier to success in WSB.
As Bayliss moves into retirement, the way is open for either Rea or Haslam to become serious contenders in WSB 2009 on their HM Plant Fireblades, but will Shane Byrne, on board a factory Ducati 1098R prove the most difficult opponent of all?
