Chaz Davies is adapting to life with his new team after signing a two year World Superbike deal with Ducati. The former GoldBet BMW rider will be joined by Italian, Davide Giugliano and Davies is now on his way to Jerez for some testing on the 1199 Panigale.
The deal has brought much relief to the Powys based rider as he now doesn't have to worry about finding a ride for another two seasons. But he has been talking to Ducati for a while, and is pleased that he can finally confirm his seat for the team.
“I have been talking to Ducati for a while and their targets were myself and Ben Spies and I knew all along they wanted me and Ben, but he has now retired because of his shoulder injury. Ducati knew all along who they wanted, and the other names linked with the seat were all rumours. But it is a big relief to have signed for Ducati and it has put a big smile on my face," said Davies, speaking to bikesportnews.com.
Being in a factory outfit was of prime importance to the Welshman, and he is keen to develop his new bike and to work hard with his team so he can be a title contender in two years time, leaving the rider a very happy lad. But he doesn't really know his team-mate, Giugliano and have only ever really met out on track. But people in the paddock have deemed the Roman a 'nice guy' and Davies hopes they get on well.
“It was pretty important to be with a factory team and have a contract directly with them and it is cutting out the middle team and it shows that two years is a commitment from me and Ducati, and we want to turn the Panigale into a race winning bike, and what I have heard they will be making developments and working hard this winter, and I am happy.
“I am off to Jerez this week, and I will get my first taste of being back on a two cylinder. I have hardly ever ridden one and I am looking forward to it. There will be no stress and from my point of view I will be getting the riding position sorted and learning the bike, and it is an exciting prospect working with Ducati too.
"I hardly know Davide, I have seen him on the track a few times. I only see the hot headed Davide on track but everyone at Aprilia says he is a really nice guy and I hope we will get on well.”
