It's ON?

xx CURVE xx · 12-17-2008, 02:14 PM

Rossi set for Bayliss Superbike duel
Eurosport - Wed, 17 Dec 12:27:00 2008

MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi has agreed to a one-off Superbike race against Troy Bayliss, according to reports in Spain.

More Stories2009: Who races where?
Rossi eyes rallying future
Solo Moto magazine claims the Italian will take on Bayliss in a head-to-head battle on March 14 in Qatar, saying the deal is "said and done".

The duel will take place during the weekend of the second round of the 2009 Superbike World Championship at the Losail circuit.

Rossi is expected to race a Yamaha R1 - as used by factory riders Tom Sykes and Ben Spies in 2009 - while Bayliss will be on the familiar Xerox Ducati.

Bayliss retired from the World Superbike scene after romping to his third championship in 2008 on the Ducati.

The Australian's dominance of an increasingly competitive series earned him the Rider of the Year award from the well-respected Italian magazine Moto Sprint ahead of Rossi, who won his sixth world championship in MotoGP's premier class, his eighth overall.

The 29-year-old Rossi is thought to be unhappy at the snub, and has agreed to the race in a bid to hammer home his supremacy.

Rossi recently said he was keen to take Bayliss on one-versus-one, telling Corriere dello Sport: "If there was an opportunity and the right date then I would race there tomorrow.

"I like World Superbikes to be mad, I like to watch it and I'd love to ride in it, the problem is the dates.

"I do not know when, but I hope that I can make a race in WSB. I am sad that I would not be able to race against Bayliss on track now because I would like to challenge him on a superbike. Maybe, if I ask him he might even come back for one race for the challenge."

There has been no official confirmation from either rider.

dReWpY · 12-17-2008, 02:17 PM

fucking awesome

shmike · 12-17-2008, 02:19 PM

Oh, I hope, I hope, I hope.

Not familiar with the rag. Are they generally a reputable source?

xx CURVE xx · 12-17-2008, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shmike

Oh, I hope, I hope, I hope.

Not familiar with the rag. Are they generally a reputable source?

Well EURO-SPORT sure is...not sure about Solo Moto Magazine..

Quick281 · 12-17-2008, 02:33 PM

Sick.....!!!

Ducati Diva · 12-17-2008, 04:25 PM

Clear the schedule and set the DVR!!!!!!! That's going to be one hell of a race!

smileyman · 12-17-2008, 04:28 PM

Is that date going to conflict with Bayliss' Aus. Supercar schedule? You know he is retiring to race cars?

Rider · 12-17-2008, 02:20 PM

Awesome. I cant wait to see it.

12-17-2008, 02:14 PM	#1
xx CURVE xx SMELL MY LEVER Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Texas Moto: Tards Posts: 1,034	It's ON? LINK-O-DEATH Rossi set for Bayliss Superbike duel Eurosport - Wed, 17 Dec 12:27:00 2008 MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi has agreed to a one-off Superbike race against Troy Bayliss, according to reports in Spain. More Stories2009: Who races where? Rossi eyes rallying future Solo Moto magazine claims the Italian will take on Bayliss in a head-to-head battle on March 14 in Qatar, saying the deal is "said and done". The duel will take place during the weekend of the second round of the 2009 Superbike World Championship at the Losail circuit. Rossi is expected to race a Yamaha R1 - as used by factory riders Tom Sykes and Ben Spies in 2009 - while Bayliss will be on the familiar Xerox Ducati. Bayliss retired from the World Superbike scene after romping to his third championship in 2008 on the Ducati. The Australian's dominance of an increasingly competitive series earned him the Rider of the Year award from the well-respected Italian magazine Moto Sprint ahead of Rossi, who won his sixth world championship in MotoGP's premier class, his eighth overall. The 29-year-old Rossi is thought to be unhappy at the snub, and has agreed to the race in a bid to hammer home his supremacy. Rossi recently said he was keen to take Bayliss on one-versus-one, telling Corriere dello Sport: "If there was an opportunity and the right date then I would race there tomorrow. "I like World Superbikes to be mad, I like to watch it and I'd love to ride in it, the problem is the dates. "I do not know when, but I hope that I can make a race in WSB. I am sad that I would not be able to race against Bayliss on track now because I would like to challenge him on a superbike. Maybe, if I ask him he might even come back for one race for the challenge." There has been no official confirmation from either rider.

12-17-2008, 02:33 PM	#5
Quick281 Victim of Blazer Rapage Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Talkeetna, AK Moto: 06 GSXR 600 Posts: 1,707	Sick.....!!! __________________ -Alex- Resident TWFix Noob. My 06 GSXR 600 <-- Its Clickable Fools.

12-17-2008, 04:25 PM	#6
Ducati Diva just learning Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: western nc Moto: 1996 M900 Posts: 1,348	Clear the schedule and set the DVR!!!!!!! That's going to be one hell of a race! __________________ Todays mighty oak is just yesterdays nut who stood it's ground!

12-17-2008, 04:28 PM	#7
smileyman White Trash Hero Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NW Arkansas Moto: Buell 1125R Porco Rosso Edition Posts: 4,895	Is that date going to conflict with Bayliss' Aus. Supercar schedule? You know he is retiring to race cars? __________________ Arkriders.com To be the best you must first be willing to risk the worst!

12-17-2008, 02:19 PM	#3
shmike Follower Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 5,549	Oh, I hope, I hope, I hope. Not familiar with the rag. Are they generally a reputable source?

12-17-2008, 02:20 PM	#8
Rider Moto GP Star Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 12,156	Awesome. I cant wait to see it.