There is a rather hot rumor circulating in the FIM World Superbike paddock recently which pertains directly to the legendary #21, 
Australian Troy Bayliss. It was the news of a test Bayliss took part in for the Xerox Ducati team in mid-May at the more MotoGP-focused track of Mugello which started people talking. Next, shortly before the South African WSBK round, it was announced that Ducati would most certainly support a comeback for the three-time World Champion. And, finally, it only added to the speculation when Michel Fabrizio rode in this past weekend’s Kyalami round in South Africa sporting a “21 x 4” below his number on the front of his Ducati. So, will he return to the series? Well, no one knows just yet…but there are some facts to ponder.
First up, one must consider that the test which Bayliss was participating in was, in fact, a planned test for Ducati. Yes, he is still under contract for the Italian marque; when he retired, he only retired from racing for them. When he exited the paddock, Bayliss signed a ‘professional services’ contract with Ducati, which sets him up as a test rider for both the Ducati WSBK and MotoGP teams. He tested the MotoGP bike in 2009, and the Mugello visit was just another test under his contract. Next, we must also take in the fact that he was not testing on current WSBK machines (early reports had him riding on one of 
Haga’s 2010 bikes); all of those were on their way to South Africa for the race while Bayliss was at Mugello. These facts seem to point to the idea that he is simply fulfilling his work agreement with his employer – nothing to it.
However, Bayliss himself has stated several times that he believes he retired too early and is missing the racing world a great deal. Of the tests he said, “I was a little worried that I'd have forgotten how to ride after the year and a half break, but it was easy and to be honest it felt like I'd never been away!” He went on to say that the only way he would return to the World Superbike grid would be on a Ducati. That would certainly suggest that Noriyuki Haga and Fabrizio could be in a bit of trouble if Bayliss does throw a leg over and competes. Haga has been struggling thus far
this year, but Fabrizio just pulled out a huge win in Race 1 at Kyalami, so he seems a bit safer. Of course, Haga has a very successful record in this series, so replacing him now would be a rather extreme move for Ducati – but, they have done it before (remember Capirex in MotoGP?).
For now, this is all rumor and speculation – and the motorcycle race community loves a good story. Only the unfolding 2010 World Superbike Championship season will answer the questions surrounding Troy Bayliss and his potential return to the big stage. Stay tuned…
