Motorsport: Two-wheel legend becomes four-wheel rookie

Former SBK world champ Troy Bayliss will be on four wheels this weekend at Phillip Island. Photo / Getty Images

MELBOURNE - Former World Superbike champion Troy Bayliss will have to adjust to rookie status when he lines up in this weekend's V8 Supercar long-distance race at Phillip Island.

Bayliss will follow in the footsteps of former bike star Wayne Gardner when he gets behind the wheel of a Paul Morris Motorsports-prepared Commodore with Dean Fiore at the 500km classic.

Since claiming his third World Superbike title less than a year ago, Bayliss has made the successful transition from two to four wheels with test days completed with TeamVodafone, Jack Daniels Racing and Paul Morris Motorsports.

He then accepted an invitation to join Fiore for the island enduro and the Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama.

After spending time with the Triple F Racing team and working on his fitness for the event, Bayliss said he felt prepared for this weekend's gruelling race.

"I've been training a lot to prepare my body for the race and overall I am feeling ready and really looking forward to the weekend," Bayliss said.

"While we haven't had any testing since last month, I have been using other methods to prepare for the event.

"The guys have sent me DVDs from last year's race and I've also spent some time with the team practising our driver changes so overall I am feeling ready."

Bayliss said that while he might be a V8 Supercar rookie he has vast experience at the Phillip Island circuit, where he has been a multiple winner in motorcycle racing.

"I've raced at Phillip Island a lot on a bike and overall I definitely think my knowledge of the track will come in handy this weekend as I have a lot to learn throughout the course of the event," Bayliss said.

Fiore will also be making his endurance debut at Phillip Island and said he was keen to partner Bayliss to observe a seasoned professional racer.

"Given that Troy is a three time World Superbike champion there is a lot I can learn from him," Fiore said. "I'm looking forward to working alongside him and seeing how he approaches each race."

- AAP