Troy Bayliss pronounced himself happy with provisional pole position for the latest round of the World Superbike Championship at Misano, even if he did admit to feeling slightly under pressure.
A hugely successful proving ground for Bayliss having won there six times in ten starts, the championship leader is eyeing a seventh and final win at a circuit Ducati have dominated over the years.
His quest has started perfectly too, the Australian scoring the second fastest time in free practice before going one better in provisional qualifying. Although happy with the performance, Bayliss does however admit he is feeling under pressure to perform at such a crucial venue.
"I was reasonably happy with today. This track is like a home track to us so we feel under a bit of pressure to do well, and also because I've done well here in the past.
"I'd say we're satisfied with the changes we've made through the day and I reckon we've done a good job. It's hard due to the heat of course so I'm trying to look after myself and keep as cool as possible."
Xerox Ducati team-mate
Michel Fabrizio experienced a day of two halves, the Italian impressing with third fastest in the morning before struggling with his confidence in qualifying and falling to 15th. Fabrizio, however, is feeling good about the weekend ahead.
"It's all going ok. This morning we were going well and I felt pretty comfortable on the bike from the start of practice. Then this afternoon I just got a bit agitated I think and it just didn't go as well.
“There were no technical issues with the bike or anything, and it wasn't really the heat affecting me either, I just didn't feel quite right. Anyway, tomorrow's another day and we will definitely go faster."
