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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.

Crash.net / Eurosport