Eurosport - Mon, 02 Feb 15:51:00 2009
Valentino Rossi has ruled out the possibility of making a guest appearance in the World Superbike Championship this year.
Speculation had been rife that Rossi would ride a Yamaha Italia-prepared R1 during the Qatari round of the Championship, possibly against retired reigning champion Troy Bayliss, but it is not to be.
"It was a fun idea, and I would have been very happy (to do it)," said Rossi, speaking at the launch of the 2009 Yamaha M1.
"Unfortunately it is a bit of a difficult period and I will not have the chance, but I hope that in the future, maybe next year, we can do it."
"I would still like to race in Superbikes and I would like to battle with Bayliss, because he is the world champion."
The rumours were sparked after Rossi was quoted as saying the racing in World Superbikes is superior to that of MotoGP.
However, the much anticipated 'showdown' now looks unlikely to go ahead.
Ducati boss Davide Tardozzi had earlier told Crash.net that his team were not prepared to enter a third bike for Bayliss, regardless of Rossi's intentions.
Comment 1 - 4 of 4
Rossi was the last 500 GP title winner and is the dogs on 990 and 800 MOTO GP bikes and the chances are he would kick arse in WSB as well given the chance. I think m.smith363's comment is invalid due to Vale's undoubted talent on the 500's that were not ridden with a PC on their backs. And yes I also think given the opportunity he could win both titles in the same year.
if race dates did not clash Rossi has the talent and commitment to win world superbike and moto gp in the same season.
WELL WELL WELL ROSSI ON A REAL BIKE ERRRR NO,IT TAKES A REAL MAN TO GET ON WSB AH,NOT LIKE THE GP BOYS WITH THERE PC ON THERE BACKS
Well what a surprise!! sorry about being smug but i think you'll find i wrote this wouldn't happen months ago- media @#$%
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