Aruba Ducati’s Chaz Davies scrapped it out with reigning World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea for the race-one win at Phillip Island today but also had to content with the attentions of team-mate Davide Giugliano who didn’t make it easy for the Welshman.

Davies came through from ninth on the grid to challenge Rea for victory, which he almost achieved on the last lap as he tried to pass the Irisman on the brakes into MG but he had already asked too much of the front Pirelli and had to give best.

“It was a fun battle, with many hard but fair moves. I planned to pass Rea in turn 10, but he widened his line just a bit and I was forced to get into the corner a bit too tight. I was already on the limit with the front tyre and I had to release the brakes for a moment, so he passed me again,” said Davies.

“Still, I’m very happy. Compared with last year, we’ve made big improvements with the electronics and I was much more comfortable towards the end of the race. The battle with Rea could have gone either way, and now I’ll think of a new strategy with the team. The goal is to go one better tomorrow.”