Former three-time WorldSBK champion Troy Bayliss came out of retirement today and had his first real test during the ASBK test at Phillip Island.

Bayliss, 48, expressed that it was nice to be back at the Island in what is his come-back to racing, since quitting in 2008.

“I certainly have a big task ahead of me, but it felt nice to reunite myself with the Ducati 1299 Panigale R Final Edition and have my first real hit out,” said Bayliss, who finished tenth overall in the combined times after he stopped the clock with a 1’34.917 in the third session this afternoon.

Bayliss and the DesmoSport Ducati team made a bit of progress throughout the day, but the legend said would have liked to have made a bit more. “Things are looking on the up and I’m starting to feel more comfortable and getting used to the speed again. In general, I’m reasonably happy with the first day of testing.”

Today saw Bayliss simply trying to get comfy on the Italian machine and he explained there are a couple of things which he’s not really feeling at home with, so he and the team will make a few changes to try and get the ‘old feeling’ back.

“There are a few little things in the suspension which we need to make me more comfortable with and then I’ll be able to go forward a bit more. We have a few more things to run through tomorrow, but that is to get me even more comfortable on the bike to make another step forward,” concluded Bayliss, who says he just needs to make it easier to go faster.