Bayliss on pole at home

From Xerox Ducati

PHILLIP ISLAND, AUSTRALIA -- Troy Bayliss just snatched pole position from fellow Australian Troy Corser in Superpole qualifying for round 2 of the World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island on Saturday, breaking the lap record in the process.

Bayliss' teammate Michel Fabrizio secured third place on the grid.

The two front row places on Sunday's grid for the riders and their new 1098 F08 machine is a very satisfying result for the Ducati Xerox Team. Bayliss' performance was all the more impressive as after high-siding in this morning's qualifying session, a visit to the circuit's clinic resulted in him having eight stitches administered to his left elbow.

"It's been an eventful day that's for sure," Bayliss said. "This morning I high-sided exiting turn 11 and I had to have eight stitches in my elbow but it didn't bother me during this afternoon's practice and Superpole.

"I'm pretty confident about tomorrow's race and am happy I was able to take pole, though I didn't really expect to. I knew it was going to be very close between Corser and me here today and we both generally end up lapping with similar times at this track."