Bayliss tops Qatar test

Troy Bayliss posted the fastest time on the final day of the three-day World Superbike test at Losail in Qatar.

The Xerox Ducati rider posted a time of 1:58.66 on Tuesday, December 6, at the track which will host the opening round of the 2006 championship. Fellow Australian Troy Corser had been fastest on the first two days, but was forced to miss the last day due to a stomach virus. The reigning champion still retained the second fastest time, despite the best efforts of Lorenzo Lanzi.

Although the fastest time by Bayliss was made on qualifying tyres, he also posted a time of 1:59.13 on race tyres. His qualifying lap was a full three seconds under the pole position time set by Regis Laconi at Losail in February

“I’m very happy with the way things went here,” said Bayliss. “I did a lot of laps and my wrist stood up well. I did a great time on qualifying tyres today, but the best thing is the improvement made by the Pirelli race tyes. I did a full race simulation, with lots of laps in the 59s so things are looking good.”

Ten Kate Honda team-mates Karl Muggeridge and James Toseland were fourth and fifth quickest while Craig Jones posted the tenth fastest time on the Petronas.

Losail unofficial test times:

1. Bayliss (Ducati) 1:58.66.

2. Corser (Suzuki) 1:59.17.

3. Lanzi (Ducati) 1:59.40

4. Muggerdge (Honda) 2:00.09.

5. Toseland (Honda) 2:00.10

6. Kagayama (Suzuki) 2:00.38

7. Haga (Yamaha) 2:00.46.

8. Pitt (Yamaha) 2:00.56.

9. Martin (Petronas) 2:01.80.

10. Jones (Petronas) 2:02.56.

The next official WSB test will be at Phillip Island in Australia on January 17-20, 2006.

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