Championship contender Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was happy to take second position around the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, as it was a case of ‘damage limitation’ on race one, finishing 6.189s behind Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team).

After a tough qualifying which saw the Welsh rider suffer a small crash, it left him down in eighth position on the grid and meant he was faced with a big challenge on race day. With a stunning start off the line, Davies was able to make some strong moves – one on his team-mate – to quickly get up into second position. However once he was up in second he was aware he would not be able to reduce the gap to Rea in the lead, and was happy to take second position in a tough race.

“To be honest it was the best that we could do with Jonny,” begins Davies. “It’s been clear since yesterday morning, although I felt like we were closer this morning, but for race distance I think that we need to find a bit extra. I wasn’t that comfortable, I had a few little warnings as I was pulling away from Marco and then I was never going to catch Jonny. I tried to change my style to see what I could learn for tomorrow’s race, definitely didn’t have enough for today but I’ll take 20 points.”

Watch how Davies contends with the third row start for race two at the Prosecco DOC Portuguese Round, with all videos available on the WorldSBK VideoPass.