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Sunday, 8th February 2004

2001 World Superbike champion Troy Bayliss, now in MotoGP with Ducati, has backed his former series to produce another strong season of racing – despite controversial rule changes and the departure of Neil Hodgson and Ruben Xaus.

2001 World Superbike champion Troy Bayliss, now in MotoGP with Ducati, has backed his former series to produce another strong season of racing – despite controversial rule changes and the departure of Neil Hodgson and Ruben Xaus.

"Everyone will be on Pirellis and that'll make it a more level playing field - hopefully it'll close the racing up a bit," said Troy of the upcoming season. "There always has been good racing in World Superbike and I'm sure this year will be no different – I think its going to be quite a good year."

The Australian was then asked who his tip for the title was and, despite the likes of Noriyuki Haga returning from MotoGP and Garry McCoy making his SBK debut, Bayliss believes a certain Frenchman could deliver the crown to his former factory Ducati team.

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"I think Regis (Laconi) is looking good," he said. "Nori will be there – he's always there, but Regis is going well in testing."

The opening round of the 2004 World Superbike championship will take place at Valencia on February 29.

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