Chaz Davies (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati) has begun his Pirelli Italian Round as he means to go on, with a burning desire to return to the top. The Welshman was right at the sharp end of the second Free Practice session in Italy and was second at the end of the day, only being beaten by a rampant Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK).

Having won a total of four races in WorldSBK at the famous Imola track, Davies looks set to be a front runner this weekend too. With 40 laps set across the two 50-minute sessions and a pre-round test, Davies heads into the first of two race days confident that he can do a grand job in front of a passionate and expectant Ducati crowd.

Wrapping the day up whilst also talking about the private test, Davies said: “The test was good, spending time on track is always a positive but to be honest, we did actually do that much riding. It was better than nothing, but I wouldn’t say we had the cleanest of tests. We hade made changes based on the direction we have been feeling in the last couple of races and things have been working OK. I have to say, I am still struggling a little bit and still looking to improve in a few areas.”

Davies hasn’t won a race in WorldSBK for over a year and will be eager to return to the top step of the podium this year at Imola, having not won there since 2017.

Asked whether he could bring the fight, Davies said: “Yes, I do. We still have to make some improvements, but my plan is pretty clear: I want to be battling for the win. I am well aware that I need to improve a little but second is a good start. This is a special round for the manufacturer with Ducati and the Ducatisti who support me and support the team!”

Will Davies end his win drought this weekend? Find out with the WorldSBK VideoPass!