The Australian, who turns 46 on March 30, will once again substitute for Davide Giugliano, who injured his back during pre-season testing at Phillip Island. Bayliss will pilot the Ducati Panigale R during round two of the 2015 World Superbike at Chang International Circuit in Thailand March 20-22.
Bayliss, who retired from racing after winning the 2008 SBK title, substituted for Giugliano at the World Superbike season opener in Phillip Island. He finished 13th in race one, and 16th in race two. This was his first time Bayliss piloted the Panigale R since Mugello testing in May 2014.
Bayliss, who is the second-top winning SBK rider with 52 victories (Carl Fogarty has 59), will ride alongside team rider Chaz Davies.
“I’m really excited to be able to ride the Panigale R again and I thank the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike Team for the opportunity,” Bayliss says. “It will be great to work with the team again. Compared to the Phillip Island round, organized pretty much at the last minute, this time I’ve had the chance to train and prepare myself properly. I’m really motivated and feeling ready; I can’t wait to get back on track!”
Ducati reports that Giugliano continues to recover, and must rest for another few weeks before continuing rehabilitation training. Ducati says Giugliano should return ahead of round five at Imola May 8-10.
Though Bayliss is substituting in Thailand, Ducati has not confirmed who will ride in place of Giugliano at rounds three and four (Aragon, April 12; Assen, April 19).
Troy Bayliss 2015 World SBK Gallery: