Bayliss can still win title, say Ducati

The 38-year-old Australian lies sixth in the championship - 61 points behind British rider James Toseland – the man he replaced at the Italian squad – after the first eight races of the year.

But Tardozzi, a former top-line Superbike racer himself, believes if anybody can claw back the points, Bayliss can.

When asked if his rider's title chances were over, Tardozzi said: "Absolutely not.

“With more than 450 points to be won, a 61 point difference is easily recoverable. Sure, it won't be easy because there are many riders who can win, and I still think the title is open to five of them: Toseland, [Max] Biaggi, [Noriyuki] Haga, [Troy] Corser and obviously Troy [Bayliss]."

Bayliss suffered a disappointing start to the season, with only one race win to his name from the first four races - at Phillip Island in his Australian homeland.

Things then got even worse when a huge Donington crash left him with injuries to his groin and hand – with the latter ailment resulting in an operation to amputate half of his little right finger.

His form in Valencia clearly showed he still has some way to go before getting back to full fitness, but Tardozzi believes the fightback can begin at Assen in the Netherlands this weekend.

"It's time to recover some points,” added Tardozzi. “I'm waiting to see Troy on the podium, possibly on the top step."

EuroSport