Three-time World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss will make a shock return to the series at Phillip Island this weekend when he replaces the injured Davide Giugliano who is out for the first four races due to a back injury sustained in a crash on the first day of testing.

The 45-year old Australian has not raced in World Superbikes since the end of 2008 when he won the world title, his third such title with Ducati, having also won in 2001 and 2006. The three-times world champion won 52 races during his Superbike career with Ducati – six of which at Phillip Island - and has since been a faithful Ducati brand ambassador as well as remaining an active part of the racing world, winning last year’s Australian Dirt Track title. The last time Bayliss rode the Panigale was during a test at the Italian circuit of Mugello in May 2014.

“I want to start by saying that I really feel for Davide and that it’s a real shame for his season to be starting in this way. The desire to be able to return to the track and see the home crowd and the Ducatisti has always been strong, ever since I last raced and then also Phillip Island, one of my favourite tracks, is celebrating its 25th anniversary of World Superbikes,” said Bayliss.

“This gave me the idea to compete as a wildcard and work with the Ducati Superbike technicians once again. I know it’s going to be a very difficult weekend, also because it’s a while since I’ve ridden the Superbike but I do know the track well and so hope to get back into it after a few laps. I’ll try to enjoy myself and will of course be doing my best to score a good result and put on a good show for the public.”