The final round of the 2014 eni FIM Superbike World Championship took place yesterday at the Losail International Circuit, with the evening’s races proving positive for the Ducati Superbike Team. Chaz Davies crossed the line in fifth and seventh position, Davide Giugliano fifth and eighth.

 The 2014 World Superbike season thus concludes with Chaz Davies on 215 points, taking overall sixth position in the final standings, and Davide Giugliano closing in final eighth place (181 points). In the manufacturer’s championship, Ducati concludes in fourth position with a total of 291 points.  During the season the team has made constant progress, achieving two pole positions, six fastest laps and a clutch of six podium finishes.

Although the 2014 season has now come to a close, the Ducati Superbike Team will return to the racetracks on 17 and 18 November, when its winter testing programme will commence at the circuit of Aragon, Spain.

Chaz Davies: “In race 1, from the mid-race point, I was constantly on the verge of losing the front. It seemed like the tyre dropped off and then continued to get worse through the final stages. We changed a few things for race 2 and tyre behaviour went back to normal, as it had been in practice. Race 2 was a good battle, one of the most fun races of the year I think. Although I was losing along the straight to Marco and Toni, I tried to make up for it in other areas and we had good pace throughout. It’s a positive note on which to end the season, at a track at which is difficult for us on paper. This gives us confidence going into winter, and we will continue to build on what we’ve got right now.”

Davide Giugliano: “Race 1 went really well. I think we made a very good race considering that before the start we had no idea what we would be able to do yesterday. So the result was clearly positive. In the second race we struggled a bit more. We opted for the same tyre but there was a big drop in performance from mid-race onwards. It was a pity because I’d started strongly and was able to stick with the leaders through the initial stages. I hoped I could do more towards the end but it was impossible. Anyway, we’ve finished the season by bringing home two good results, I also battled hard with my teammate Chaz and I’m pleased with the outcome; I think it’s a good base from which to start next year’s work.”