Troy Bayliss fast in first V8 test
Troy Bayliss has completed a successful first test in a V8 Supercar.
Bayliss fast in first V8 hitout
Troy Bayliss has showed similar promise on four wheels as he did on two today as he test drove Craig Lowndes Team Vodafone V8 Supercar at Queensland Raceway.
The official evaluation saw recently retired Bayliss turn over 80 laps of the circuit throughout the day following an intensive briefing session from team engineers.
The precise control and split-second concentration that saw Bayliss win 3 World Superbike Championships ensured a smooth transition to the seat of the 600hp V8, a racecar characterised by its extreme braking forces and high corner grip.
After a sighting lap with Lowndes alongside in the passenger seat allowed him to become familiar with the circuit and its unique bumpy sections, Bayliss went after lower lap times, his braking became more confident and his throttle application was measured and smooth.
Bayliss ran five lap stints, then pitted, examining feedback from engineer Jeremy Moore and also sharing his own thoughts.
His best time was an impressive 1:11.8 lap, less than half a second shy of the mark set Craig Lowndes.
Bayliss said the experience had been immensely rewarding and said that the world-class touring car category was a logical progression as he pursued a career on four wheels.
“That was a dream come true,” Bayliss admitted. “I have been a huge fan of V8 Supercars for a long time and to finally get some laps in one felt amazing. A lot of the on-track principals transfer between the bike and the car and once the excitement of the first few laps wore off I felt like I was back at the office trying to perfect my corners and reduce my lap times. I can’t thank TeamVodafone enough, they have been fantastic and extremely patient with me as I worked my way through today’s sessions.
“I can honestly say I have the bug, I definitely want to do more laps and try and get out there in either the Development Series or the endurance races,” Bayliss added.
TeamVodafone Principal Roland Dane, a Ducati devotee and long-time supporter of Bayliss’ efforts on the world stage, said today’s evaluation showed the WSBK champion’s natural aptitude for all forms of motorsport.
“Troy has really hit the ground running, he is the consummate professional . He is used to working in the top league of European motorsport, therefore there is nothing more we can teach him about procedures. He has fitted in with our team very well and is straight on the money lap time wise. If he raced at Willowbank tomorrow in our category he would be mid grid immediately.”
“There are probably a few drivers in the championship that will need to watch their backs now,” Dane acknowledged.
