Davies Back Up To Speed After Crash

Chaz Davies showed no ill effects from a spectacular crash as he roared back into World Superbikes action in Australia.

The Powys flier finished the final day of pre-season testing in ninth place overall at the Phillip Island track near Melbourne.

Davies crashed heavily late in Monday’s session, but was quickly back up to speed on his Ducati with the new season starting on Friday.

And Davies, 29, said: “The general goal was simply to verify the competitiveness of our package without crashing so I feel confident ahead of the race week-end.

“In the morning I focused on getting back the feeling and confidence on the bike after crashing out.

“I also did a race simulation, whose results were quite good.

“Our gap from the leaders has been reduced, and honestly I think I could have pushed more, both myself and the Panigale R bike.

“In the afternoon it was impossible to improve the lap times, as the temperature went through the roof.”

Davies finished 0.8secs off the pace set by France’s 2014 champ Sylvain Guintoli who edged out title holder Jonathan Rea.

The Ulsterman dominated last season as he swept to the title ahead of Davies whose runner-up spot was his best World Superbikes finish.