Chaz Davies came from nowhere at all to enter the first corner in World Superbike race two hassling for a podium spot – a place he kept hold of right until the end when he was just pipped for third by Max Biaggi at Miller Motorsport Park.

Davies started from 11th place on the grid in the first part but after a red flag was bumped up the order. He got an incredible start to slot in behind Sykes, Checa and Melandri into Sunset Bend for the first time.

“It was nice to have a ‘normal’ weekend with two solid finishes and felt great to fight in the lead group again,” said Davies. “The adjustments agreed with the team in order to get better driove out of corners (we have been working on shortening the second gear change) after race one were immediately successful.

“What we need for the future are small adjustments that allow us to replicate a race like this and stay firmly in contention for the top places. The lack of grip at the end of the race hurt me in my fight for the podium.”

The Welshman was up as high as second in the standings but used a lot of rear tyre in his efforts and was unable to do anything about Biaggi in the closing stages so settled for a safe fourth. He jumps to 13th in the championship standings, just behind old rival Leon Camier.