It was a whirlwind tour of Italy’s smaller motorcycle shows for former Superbike rider Troy Bayliss, who did some promo work at the Passione Moto show and this last weekend took part in the Motodays fair in Rome.
Bayliss was literally swamped by his still numerous Italian fans, who haven’t forgotten the three-times World Superbike champion and can’t get enough enough of the legendary Ducati rider.
Speaking from the show on Sunday, Bayliss was asked if he thought Valentino Rossi, who’s confirmed that he’d like to race in WSBK at the end of his MotoGP career, if the 9 times MotoGP champion would actually make the switch.
“I’ve heard that in two years Valentino could finish his career in Superbikes,” said the Aussie.
“In the 2013 he’ll be the same age as I was when I started racing in WSBK, and he’s got the credentials , but I don’t think he’ll end up in the series.
”“The duel? Vale is a phenomenon, but I won that duel in the Valencia in 2006, when I returned to MotoGP and won with the Ducati and he unfortunately crashed.
For 2011 championship I see Stoner.
I think he’s the strongest of the three Honda riders and those bikes are now a cut above the others.
“