The much-anticipated confrontation in World Superbike racing between Troy Bayliss and Valentino Rossi is not likely to happen.

Last week, a rumour started, saying that retired Superbike star Troy Bayliss was going to race against Moto GP champion Valentino Rossi in the Qatar round of the 2009 World Superbike Championship.

However, Ducati Xerox team manager Davide Tardozzi claimed Bayliss is flattered to have been praised by Rossi, but insisted he is not planning on participating in a much speculated head-to-head.

Speaking to Crash.net, Tardozzi stated that there has been no request to him about preparing a bike for the now retired WSBK Champion.


Photo Credit : Bridgestone