Brands Hatch World Superbikes: Troy Bayliss - 'the championship's over'

Ducati’s Troy Bayliss has admitted his World Superbike Championship title hopes are all but over following a disappointing race day at Brands Hatch.

The Australian was hoping to repeat his success of last year when he took the title, but following his crash in race one and tyre problems resulting in only seventh place in race two the task is now seemingly too hard.

There was confusion in race one over a possible jump start, which Troy Bayliss says put him off his race before he crashed out on lap five.

After race one Troy Bayliss said: “I’m a bit upset with myself actually. I thought I’d jumped the start and every lap I was looking for the board to come out with the stop-and-go so I was a bit distracted for the first three laps.

“Then Nori bumped me, but I managed to get past Corser and was pushing hard at Druids when the bike came around.

“I didn’t hurt myself but after that I reckon the championship’s over.”

Following his double win at Brands Hatch, championship leader James Toseland now extends his lead to 355 points. This is 66 points ahead of nearest rival, Yamaha’s Noriyuki Haga and 103 ahead of Troy Bayliss.

With just three rounds remaining in the 2007 calendar, a seventh place in race two did not help matters. Troy Bayliss put this down to the tyres not agreeing with the 28 degree heat.

Troy Bayliss added: “I don’t understand how it can happen with such a difference in track temperature.

“It’s not the fault of anyone but our bike just doesn’t seem to  like high temperatures, except at Misano where the grip is great.

“I honestly thought I could do a good job here but after one lap I realised it wasn’t happening and then it was just a matter of bringing the bike home.”