Last laps for tarmac titan Bayliss

Troy Bayliss will take his last laps in the final round of the World Superbike Championship at Portugal's new Portimao circuit.

The Ducati star has already clinched this year's world title on the company's new 1098 F08 machine. It was his third title on as many different Ducati models, making him the only rider in the series' history to achieve the feat.

The 39-year-old is looking to end his career with two more wins to add to his tally of 50 victories and 92 podiums in 152 starts.

“I am a lot more relaxed now that I know we have done what we set out to do,” Bayliss said.

“We've won the riders and constructors titles and can tick that off the list.

“Now I can go to Portimao knowing a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

“I'm looking forward to racing there, as what we saw during the recent test days was a very impressive track.”

After all his success, he knows he has chosen the right time to call it quits.

“It's been a long and stressful year and I'm tired, I feel I have just enough energy left to complete these last two races,” Bayliss said.

“I would love to finish the season and my career with a win, so that's my goal this weekend, to ride with no pressure and just enjoy what will be my final two Superbike races.”

His history with Ducati dates back to 1998 when he first rode for the Italian marque in the British Superbike series.

He won that title in 1999 before being promoted the World Superbike team to replace Carl Fogarty in 2000.

He won the world title in 2001 and finished runner-up in 2002 to American Colin Edwards at a thrilling final-race decider.

He switched to MotoGP in 2003 with Ducati and spent two season there before moving manufacturer, to the Pons Honda team, in 2005.

The MotoGP bikes did not suit his riding style and he returned to Superbikes in 2006 to win the title for Ducati again.

He made a one-off appearance in MotoGP in Valencia and dominated from the start to notch his only MotoGP win.

Bayliss will move back to Australia from his present home in Monaco with his wife Kim and three children.

He is interested in following fellow motorcycle champion Wayne Gardner into V8 Supercars but has not revealed plans.

“I don't think I'm finished with racing but I've had enough of world Superbikes,” he said earlier this year.

“I love touring cars. I'd rather watch touring car races than any other racing. It's close and it's full-on, just like Superbikes.”