When Ducati officially pulled out their factory team from World Superbikes there were a lot of moans and groans from Ducatisti, with the doubting Thomases not believing Ducati CEO Gabriele Del Torchio’s who said, “We knew that we were going to face a tough year in World Superbike.
The new rules don’t help; someone was allowed to bend them, and our 1198 has reached its ultimate potential.
In two years, we shall be ready with our new 1200cc Twin.
”Well the new Superbike is on it’s way, if we are to believe Troy Bayliss, who confirmed that he is involved in the project and which many think we’ll see debut at this year’s EICMA show.
The guys over at Motoblog.
it got a chance to interview the three-times World Superbike champion during the weekend’s Passione Moto show in Padova.
MB: Troy, now that you’re not in the World championship what projects are you working on and how do you spend your days?TB: “What? Who’s not in the championship (laughs).
Seriously, now I have more time for my family, but my life has not changed that much.
In recent years I have always test rided the Ducati Superbike before and during the season, I’ve been to all the Ducati events and still have a relationship with my sponsors.
”MB: So you’re also helping with the new 2012 Superbike?TB: “Yes, of course, it’s my job to follow the testing phases of the new model.
I can’t reveal anything, but we are working hard to create a competitive bike that can win the championship again.
I’ll be a simple test rider and won’t have any management roles.
Riding a bike is what I do best, so this way I’m helping with the new team structure.
MB: Only tests and no races? Is there chance of seeing # 21 on the grid again?TB: “You don’t know how much I’d like it! I think about returning to racing every day, it’s my greatest passion and the years that I raced were certainly fantastic It’s a recurring thought, but I have my other commitments now and carry on with what I’m doing.
”MB: The 2011 championship, who do you see as champion?“It ’s too early to tell, but from the first race we noticed how determined Carlos Checa is.
The team behind him is official and they have a good chance challenging for the title.
Of course, Max Biaggi, who will try to defend his title with his teeth, but I was surprised by the Yamaha bikes who are really competitive this year and it’s a great team with two great talents, Laverty and Melandri will certainly be front runners.
MB: Before saying goodbye I’d like to mention a date.
What does Monza 2000 remind you of?TB: (Smiling) “That fantastic pass!”MB: “But how did manage to pass four of them that way?TB: “Don’t ask, I’m still trying to figure it out! I don’t know what was going through my head at the time, but it was the beginning of everything.
In the garage after the race the Ducati manager took me aside and told me “you’re never going anywhere else .
” For those of you who’ve never seen “the pass” check it out.