Davies: "It would be nice to have a full set on Italian soil"
Aruba.it Racing – Ducati rider prepares for Rimini WorldSBK
Fresh off the back of a tough weekend which saw some stunning comebacks in the Pata UK Round, Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) took some time out at the Italian MotoGP around the legendary Mugello circuit, and WorldSBK.com caught up with the British rider.
Sensationally taking another double victory around Ducati’s home track of Imola for round five in May, Davies then headed to his home circuit of Donington Park where he faced a difficult weekend, but was able to come back from 13th position in race two to secure a podium finish. Heading to the Pirelli Rivera di Rimini Round – another home race for Ducati – Davies is hoping to put some bad luck behind him and give the fans even more to shout about.
“We have just finished testing at Misano,” begins Davies. “It went pretty well, we were preparing for the race there as it should be very similar conditions, so we were just seeing how the bike felt. Our base set-up wasn’t too bad, I would like to improve a little but I think I can just go away for a few weeks and digest the data a little bit.”
The British rider continues: “It would be nice to have a full set on Italian soil but it’s definitely easier said than done. I don’t think I’ve ever had a podium in Misano, I’ve always had really quite bad luck there over the years, so I think this is the year to put that right.”
Speaking of his feeling on board the Panigale R, which he has been riding since 2014, Davies explains: “I feel really good with my bike, the pace is really high but I love it. I love it in Superbike, I love the racing and I love the reversed grid - although it creates a massive difference of opinion. In Donington it was a disaster for me but in other races it’s been ok, you win some you lose some but in general it’s about finding the balance.”
Turning his attention to the WorldSBK season so far, Davies shares his thoughts on the competition out on track: “I think the level is so high this year between Ducati and Kawasaki, we are pushing each other so hard. Not only from the manufacturers but also the riders’ side, everyone is on the edge right now, which is the name of the game. It would be nice to have a few more guys in the mix, that’s the only thing that we miss.”
Watch Davies in action in Round Seven of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship as the paddock hits the Rimini coastline all live on the WorldSBK VideoPass, or relive the stunning action from 2017 so far.
