There are going to be some begruntled Troy Bayliss fans at Imola at the end of the month.
After giving Ducati hell for not allowing the former three-time World Superbike champion a couple of wild card rides – and Ernesto Marinelli having gone on the record offering the Australian a bike for the Italian round – the whole Bayliss to return thing has definitely fizzled out according to a press release by the Effenbert Liberty team, which instead confirms what we anticipated yesterday, that Brett McCormick will be riding in World Superbikes.
“The Effenbert company believes in motorsport and its use as the most powerful promotional engine so much that it was in their contemplation to run a Liberty Racing bike with legendary Troy Bayliss on a couple of occasions this season.
They had a strong desire to give him the opportunity to ride as a wild card in a few races, “said Team Owner Mario Bertuccio.
“Unfortunately, as we all know, this intention was not fulfilled successfully for various reasons.
At this point, the possibility has vanished completely and Effenbert decided to reconsider other options of further investments in the team, with regard to the budget, which eventually resulted in the decision to engage a fourth permanent rider for the entire 2012 season.
This decision is also promising something very interesting.
”The reigning Canadian Superbike champion who was to ride in Superstock 1000 FIM Cup this year on a Ducati Panigale 1199, will now be riding a Ducati 1198R.
“Effenbert Liberty Racing Team is giving me a great opportunity.
My dream has always been to race in SBK and now that I have this opportunity, I will give it everything on the track.
Recently, I’ve been studying and memorizing the circuits, which obviously I do not know well, so that when the D-day comes, I am prepared as much as I can.
It is going to be a very challenging season for me since I’m about to face many experienced riders.
This is undoubtedly a great way to learn and grow, and I will always try to be in the leading group!” said McCormick.
Mario Bertuccio also added, ”The incentive to promote McCormick in Superbike is consistent with our philosophy of helping to bring up young talents.
We truly have the highest respect for the Canadian rider, and we trust him as we are certain that he can pay us back on the track.
This is an important choice.
There are only a few teams in SBK who have decided to increase the budget for the current season and our route makes us day after day even more proud and confident about the potential of the team.
Federico Sandi remains the Effenbert Liberty Racing Team’s ace in Superstock and I am sure he will give us very good results riding the competitive Panigale 1199.
Our active engagement in this direction remains intact.
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