Rossi and Bayliss collide

World champions Troy Bayliss and Valentino Rossi will race head-to-head on equal machinery for the first time next month although sadly it will be on four wheels and not two.

World Superbike champ Bayliss will clash with Rossi having been confirmed as the latest big name bike racing star to take part in the annual Michelin Race of Champions next month.

Bayliss, who will compete as part of the ‘All-Stars’ team, will be joined by Rossi and a man he is more familiar with, Ducati WSB team-mate Ruben Xaus.

Flying the flag for Britain will be current world 125 motocross champion Jamie Dobb.

The event, which brings together stars from the world of rally driving and bike racing, takes place in Gran Canaria between December 7 and 9.