Trying Time For Chaz In Thailand

By Ian Gordon

Chaz Davies admitted he was not at his best in opening practice for the World Superbikes races in Thailand.

The Powys-born flier finished seventh fastest on his Ducati at the Chang International Circuit and knows he will have to find more speed for Saturday’s opening race.

Davies’ time of one minute 35.461secs put him 0.832secs off the pace set by Honda’s Dutch rider Michael van der Mark though he was only two-tenths behind reigning champ Jonathan Rea.

The 29-year-old said: “In the morning the track was really slippery, especially in the re-surfaced areas, so I didn’t want to take any risks.

“In the afternoon, we managed to improve our lap times significantly right away, but we still have work to do on the setup and honestly I didn’t ride at my best.

“Free Practice Three will be crucial to make a few adjustments, and we have some ideas for this purpose.

“There’s not much track time available before Superpole, but it should be enough to understand our potential, and we’re not too far from the frontrunners anyway.”

Davies finished second and 10th in the opening round in Australia, a last lap crash after battling with Rea for the victory costing him a second podium at Phillip Island.

The results left last season’s championship runner-up in fourth spot, 24 points behind Rea who will be out to maintain his perfect start to the season on a Thai track where he roared to a double last year.

The Aruba Racing ace added: “In Phillip Island, we were close to winning both races.

“Of course crashing out of race two wasn’t ideal, but those things happen when you’re going for the top prize and I’ve put it behind me already.

“I stayed in Asia to train and get myself acquainted with the heat and humidity, so I feel ready.

“Last year, in Thailand, we struggled with the long straights. The Panigale R has improved a lot since then, but we need to keep pushing the development forward to find a little extra in terms of top speed.”