Davies and Ducati's home double
The Welshman was in a class of his own on the factory Ducati, leading both races from the frontChaz Davies completing a stunning double for Ducati — just a stone's throw from its factory racing headquarters — in round five of the 2016 Superbike World Championship at the historic Imola circuit in Italy on April 30-May 1.
Davies led superbly from the front, with the Kawasakis of world champion Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes unable to keep pace with the booming factory Panigale as they finished second and third in both races.
Australia's Josh Brookes (BMW) finished with 14-13 results, while his countryman Josh Hook (Kawasaki) was 17th in the opener before a crash in race two on the slowest part of the circuit.
“It’s just been an incredible week-end, from start to finish," said Davies. "The latest upgrades Ducati brought for the Panigale R in Aragon allowed us to compete for the win in each race. To seize a victory here in Imola, Ducati’s backyard, is special. To do a double, is unbelievable.
"We head to Sepang with confidence, as we have a more competitive package than last year, when we still left Malaysia with a second place and a win. Our goal is to keep the momentum and further cut the gap in the championship.”
Davies trimmed Rea's lead to 35pts (221 to 186) at Imola, while Sykes is in third on 154pts.
Meanwhile, Jordi Torres (BMW) and Davide Giugliano completed the top five in race one, and in raced two it was Giugliano and Leon Camier (MV Agusta).
In world supersport, Kenan Sofuoglu (Kawasaki) took victory in a race restarted after a red flag. Jules Cluzel (MV Agusta) came home in second after a late challenge, leading Honda rider PJ Jacobsen across the line to complete the podium.
In the first attempt, a problem became apparent on the Kawasaki of then championship leader Randy Krummenacher and the race was red-flagged, with the Swiss rider not allowed to take the restart.
Australians Aiden Wagner (MV Agusta), Jed Metcher (Honda) and Lachlan Epis (Kawasaki) were 18th, 24th and 30th.
Sofuoglu leads on 86pts from Krummenacher (71) and Cluzel (58).
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