Davies On His Ducati: I Feel At One With My Bike

Chaz Davies took the wraps off his 2017 World Superbikes challenger on Wednesday believing it can power him to the title.

The Knighton-born rider unveiled his Ducati Panigale R at Aruba.it Racing’s Italian headquarters.

Davies finished runner-up to Jonathan Rea in 2015 and was third as the Ulsterman retained his title for Kawasaki last season.

But the 29-year-old’s 11 wins was more than any other rider.

And he dominated after the summer break winning seven of the last eight races including the last six.

Davies will be hoping to maintain than momentum when he launches his campaign at Phillip Island in Australia on February 24.

He said: ”The bike looks the same but the team in Bologna has worked so hard this winter to improve the bike.

“For me it is a very important season. I want to keep winning, I won a lot last year but this is a new year.

“The important thing is to keep the good job and work going for this season.

“The bike certainly feels like my own now having won so much with the Panigale R, 16 race wins, and every year the bike gets better and better.

“I feel at one with my bike and I think it will keep being like this. That is very important to aim win against Kawasaki and win the championship.”

Davies will be joined by experienced hand of Marco Melandri who is making his comeback after a frustrating time in Moto GP with Aprilia in 2015.

“The project is fantastic so far and the main features of the Panigale R were wonderful for me,” Melandri said.

“I found a very prepared and professional team and this gave me a great stride to start this year. I have a huge motivation, more than ever.

“I had a lot of wins but I also lost some championships so the time has come to reach our main goals, to bring forward an important Italian brand with titles. This is my dream and I want to share it with you.

“I think when you miss racing and you haven’t got anything then you realise how much you want to reach your goals.

“I have already learnt so much from our team and from Ernesto Marinelli. I think the right moment has come for all of us.”

“It will be difficult to beat Chaz but we will do our best to improve and reach our common goals.”

Davies will soon head to Australia for the final two day test before the opening round of the 26-race campaign.