The race initially unfolded similarly to the one on Saturday, with the factory Kawasakis dictating the pace. Both Davies and Giugliano got off a strong start, but the Italian progressively lost contact with the front as he was forced to lap around 1.5 seconds slower than his usual pace. Davies instead managed to mount a spectacular comeback and, at half-way, got himself in third position and progressively cut the gap. In the last five laps, the Welshman fought tenaciously, albeit without finding an opening, and closed in third place, only three tenths behind the winner.  

Chaz Davies: “I’m happy with the progress we’ve made since yesterday. Thanks to the team, we solved a couple issues and I could fight at the top again, but we missed a little something to try to go for the win. We still need to improve on the engine side, but this track was probably the most difficult both for me and the Panigale R and still I leave it with a smile on my face. This podium gives me a lot of confidence ahead of the next races.”

Davide Giugliano:  “This weekend, it’s been more difficult than we expected. Yesterday I was making a strong comeback and crashing out was really unfortunate, while today I suffered a technical problem, which still needs to be verified, that reduced significantly my speed on the straight. Anyway, Chaz’s third place represents a good indication of the competitiveness of the Panigale R, and I’m confident I can redeem myself as well in Aragon.”

The Aruba.it Racing - Ducati team will now head back to Europe for the third round of the WorldSBK championship, scheduled for Aragon (April 1-3).