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Thursday, 10th January 2008

Troy Bayliss' pre-season preparations have been dealt a major blow after the former double World Superbike champion fell hard on the final day of testing at Phillip Island - fracturing his right collarbone in the process.

Bayliss lost control of his factory Ducati while trying to pass PSG-1 Kawasaki's Regis Laconi on the approach to MG corner. When Bayliss realised he could not make the pass, he got on the rear brake hard and was highsided off his new 1098R, which then took out Laconi.

The Frenchman walked away unhurt, but Bayliss - fastest during the first two days of testing - was diagnosed with a 'minor' right collarbone fracture by the Clinica Mobile and taken to Melbourne Hospital for further x-rays and an MRI scan.

Although initial scans were not 100 per cent conclusive, as the bones are not displaced, circuit medics say his injury should be healed in around 21 days - enough time for Bayliss to be fit for the start of the season, at Qatar on February 23.

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The 38-year-old, who lost a finger during an accident at Donington Park last season, has previously stated that he expects 2008 to be his last year of racing.

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